As Canada works to meet ambitious climate goals, cities like Toronto and Ottawa are making major investments in sustainable transit. With cleaner air, quieter streets, and more reliable service as key goals, these initiatives represent a shift toward future-ready infrastructure that better serves growing urban populations.

TTC Reaches 100 Electric Buses as It Accelerates Toward a Zero-Emission Future

Toronto recently marked a major milestone with more than 100 battery-electric buses now in service across the TTC network. Funded by the federal government and the City of Toronto, the electric fleet will grow to 400 by mid-2026. These buses are a key part of the TTC’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. Currently, 30% of the fleet is already made up of hybrid-electric vehicles, and a pilot project for five battery-electric Wheel-Trans buses is set to launch in 2026. Officials hailed the milestone as a significant investment in clean, modern, and sustainable public transit.

Ottawa Unveils $4.5B Transit Plan

Meanwhile in Ottawa, the city is preparing to invest $4.5 billion in a new “needs-based” transit network—an ambitious plan that includes O-Train extensions, bus rapid transit corridors, and transit priority lanes. However, to fully realize the plan, Ottawa is seeking an additional $8.3 billion in funding from other levels of government. The long-term vision is to have 50% of all trips made by sustainable modes—walking, cycling, carpooling, or transit—by 2046. Key projects include the Cumberland Transitway, the Baseline-Heron Transitway, and O-Train Line 1 and Line 3 extensions.

As Canadian cities grow, transit investments like these are essential to managing congestion, reducing emissions, and creating more livable communities. From Toronto’s electric bus fleet to Ottawa’s expanded transit network, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for a greener, more connected future.