Cornwall's Youth for Climate Action Working Group gets tour of hybrid bus

On December 19, at their monthly meeting, Cornwall’s Youth for Climate Action Working Group (YFCA) had the opportunity to take a personalize ride on one of the City’s hybrid buses. Maurice Rozon, Transit Supervisor, and Bus Driver, Chantal, led a small group of students and guests onto the bus to deliver a complete run-down on hybrid features such as electric-powered steering and HEPA filter air ventilation. The hybrid bus traveled down Pitt St. to the Civic Complex for a quick stop, then back up Sydney St. returning to City Hall.

The students and guests were captivated at the quiet mechanics of the hybrid bus compared to the City’s diesel engine buses.

“Our hybrid buses will have a 20 per cent saving on fuel consumption and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The hybrids will also reduce noise pollution by shutting down while at stops and help us prepare to become fully electric in the future,” Rozon explained to the group.

It was Anita Bedi’s first ride on a hybrid bus. "I loved my tour on the hybrid bus. It looks so clean and modern on the inside and the bus has a lot of really innovative features. I hope that in a few years, we can see even more buses like this one driving in Cornwall,” said the grade 10 student at École secondaire publique L'Héritage.

And that is the plan. The one she rode is one of two of new hybrid buses, with a third one coming early 2023.

The short bus ride was suggested by Cornwall Transit after the YFCA discussed greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying transit at one of its meetings.

The group also learned that bike racks will remain on all public transit during the winter season to promote more than one form of active transportation.