Montreal Transit Corporation Deploys 50 Articulated Electric Buses on High-Capacity East-End Corridors

MONTREAL, QC — The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) officially commissioned 50 new zero-emission 18-meter articulated electric buses into revenue passenger service on Sunday afternoon, marking a major milestone in the transit agency's electrification roadmap.

Fleet Technology and Route Deployment

The high-capacity buses, manufactured in Saint-Eustache by Nova Bus under a joint federal-provincial green transit partnership, carry up to 110 passengers and feature 560 kWh lithium-ion battery systems. The vehicles are equipped with dual-axle electric drive motors and regenerative braking systems optimized for Montreal's winter climate.

The initial deployment focuses on high-ridership express routes, including the 439 Express Pie-IX and the 121 Sauvé/Côte-Vertu corridors in Montreal North, Saint-Léonard, and Ahuntsic-Cartierville.

"Every electric bus we introduce replaces a fossil-fueled vehicle, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves the daily commuting experience for thousands of Montrealers," STM Board Chair Éric Alan Caldwell said at the Stinson transit garage.

Depot Charging and Grid Integration

The STM installed 30 automated pantograph fast chargers at the modernized Legendre and Stinson bus complexes, powered by clean hydroelectricity supplied through Hydro-Québec.

Transit rider advocacy group Trajectoire Québec praised the deployment, noting that articulated electric buses provide quieter, smoother rides while increasing rush-hour seating capacity.

Fleet Expansion Schedule

The STM plans to take delivery of an additional 75 articulated electric buses throughout 2027, working toward a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.