Zero Emission Transit Fund (Stream 1 Planning Projects)
Program Category:
Sustainable Transportation, Climate Mitigation
Program Sub-Category:
Zero Emission Vehicles and Charging Stations
Status: Open
Funder
Infrastructure Canada
Deadline Details
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
Funder Organization Type
- Federal Government
Through the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Government of Canada is investing $2.75 billion over five years, starting in 2021, to support public transit and school bus operators plan for electrification, support the purchase of 5,000 zero emission buses and build supporting infrastructure, including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades, in close partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).
The ZETF targets investments across Canada that support clean transportation by investing in the vehicles, infrastructure and organizational readiness that make fleet electrification possible. The transportation sector accounts for 25% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and with Canada generating approximately 82% of its electricity from zero emission power sources, shifting vehicles away from fossil fuel powertrains towards zero emission powertrains presents an opportunity for GHG emissions reductions.
These investments are closely coordinated with the CIB’s commitment to invest in Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) as part of its three-year Growth Plan.
There are two Zero Emission Transit Fund components under which projects are eligible for funding:
- Planning Projects: Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of future larger scale capital projects.
- Capital Projects: Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refueling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs.
Applicants will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as a mandatory first Stage in the application process. Once Stage 1 of the process is completed, applicants will be contacted by Infrastructure Canada regarding Stage 2.
To account for the importance of robust planning, Stage II Planning is comprised of two subcomponents (Transit Bus Deployment Planning and School Bus Deployment Planning), and will provide support for planning studies necessary to ensure the successful future deployment of ZEBs. Route modeling and bus simulations with careful consideration of the expected operating conditions are required to quantify the benefits of fleet electrification and how ZEBs can support Canada in achieving its climate targets. Adequate planning also plays an important role in optimizing investments made in ZEB technology, and in quantifying the lifecycle operating costs of ZEB fleets and the potential costs savings which could be realized.
Planning projects may be administered differently depending on whether the applicant is a transit or school bus operator in order to best support their needs.
Eligible Community
A recipient must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements. To be considered an eligible recipient, an applicant must confirm they fit within one of the following categories:
- Municipalities, local and regional governments established under provincial or territorial statute, including service districts
- Public sector bodies that are established by or under provincial or territorial statute or by regulation or are wholly-owned by a province, territory, municipal or regional government (including transit agencies and school boards).
- Indigenous governing bodies including but not limited to:
- A band council within the meaning of section 2 of the Indian Act.
- A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government or authority established pursuant to a Self Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada and Indigenous People of Canada, that has been approved, given effect and declared valid by federal legislation;
- A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government that are established by or under legislation whether federal or provincial that incorporates a governance structure.
Specific Eligibility Requirements
An eligible recipient can apply on behalf of multiple other eligible recipients, and would be considered the lead applicant. During the application process, it is the lead applicant’s responsibility to provide all of the necessary project information required for each of the eligible recipients they are representing.
Other Eligible Applicants
Indigenous Economic AgenciesOther
Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Other eligible recipients include:
- Federally or Provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to improve Indigenous outcomes, organizations serving Indigenous communities living in urban centers and First Nations living off reserve
- Indigenous development corporations
- Private sector school bus operators, in partnership with a public school board, or municipal, regional or provincial/territorial government;
- Private sector accessible transit bus operators, in partnership with a transit agency, or municipal, regional or provincial/territorial government;
- Federally or Provincially incorporated not-for-profit organizations, such as professional and industry associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions in partnership with an eligible recipient described above.
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
- Over $1 000 000
Description of Funding
The maximum contribution towards planning projects is up to 80% of the total eligible costs. The maximum amount payable through the ZETF will be $350M for a project, unless otherwise agreed to by the Government of Canada.
Percentage of Project Funded
80%The maximum contribution towards planning projects is up to 80% of the total eligible costs.
Eligible Costs
Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the future deployment of ZEBs. Planning projects assist transit and school bus operators in establishing comprehensive electrification plans in order to undertake capital projects in the future.
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementBuilding Purchase Costs
Land Acquisition
See Applicant Guide for a full list of ineligible costs.
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Applications are received through a rolling intake process. Applicants may submit multiple applications over the course of the program; however, Infrastructure Canada reserves the right to review and assess only one application at a time.