This fall, York University became the first post-secondary institution in Ontario to put electric buses on the road to shuttle community members between campuses. As Campus Sustainability Month draws to a close, York's journey towards championing sustainable transportation is worth recounting.
York's official colour may be red, yet past, ongoing and new operational improvements prove another colour might be propelling the institution forward - green.
The start of the 2024 Fall semester brought four new environmentally friendly electric buses to York. The buses join the rotation of the University's existing green fleet, which includes hybrid and electric vehicles used for varying services. While electric cars are not new on college and university campuses, electric buses remain a novelty. York is the first institution in Ontario to introduce electric buses to its fleet - another example of the University's strong and growing reputation as a leader in sustainability across all areas of campus life.
The new buses are being used for both the Glendon-Keele and Markham-Keele shuttle routes.
"We'd been exploring the concept of electric buses for quite some time," said Martin Foest, a supervisor in parking operations and part of the core team, comprised of staff from Transportation Services and Facilities Services, who helped source and procure York's new electric buses. "At first, it wasn't feasible, but we kept a close eye on the electric vehicle space as it continued to grow. Once charging technology evolved, we had a chance to make a case. Getting these buses on the road has been years in the making and reflects our strong commitment to sustainability at York."
The electric buses contribute to York University's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, by reducing both direct and indirect emissions. They will help build on the University's already strong commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by continued recognition as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the past 12 years and the new designation the University received last year as a "Best University for Commuters." York was the first Canadian institution to ever earn such a designation, joining the ranks of institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton, Stanford and Yale, which have also been commended for their sustainable travel options.
York was recognized with this designation due to the variety of benefits and options it provides to students, faculty, instructors and staff who travel to and from campus, including bike share, secure bike parking and repair stations, carpool incentives, electric vehicle charging stations and shuttle services.
Thanks to the sustainable transportation options made available by Transportation Services, more than 80 per cent of York University students, faculty, instructors and staff use a more sustainable mode of transportation than a single-occupancy vehicle.
"There is significant opportunity to embed sustainability in the way we deliver services to the community," said Kim McLean, assistant vice-president, ancillary services. "Our new [electric vehicle] buses, and the many other green vehicles already in our fleet, underscore our commitment to building a more sustainable transportation system within our campuses and making it easier for the community to make the greener choice."
Community members can view the shuttle schedule for York's new electric buses on the Shuttle Services web page and learn more about all of York's sustainable travel options on the Transportation Services website.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
