St John debuts low-entry e-bus as part of transit programme
The Canadian city is working with Saint John Transit agency to introduce to cleaner transit options and support its plan to eliminate combustion-engine vehicles in its fleet by 2040.
City of Saint John, New Brunswick, has debuted the Karsan e-Jest – the first electric, low entrance, 20-foot transit bus in North America, which will enter service later this summer.
The City plans to lease six Jest buses from Damera Bus Corp which will be put into transit service across Saint John this September as part of its Transforming Transit programme.
Municipal transit system
The programme, announced in 2021, will transform the municipal transit system using electric buses and an on-demand bus service expected to be launched later this year.
The city is transitioning to an emission-free future with a goal of running all Saint John Transit buses on electricity by 2040.
“With the plan in place, customers will enjoy the luxury of riding new, electric buses, and also have a highly reliable service that allows them to schedule the arrival of their bus and know when it will deliver them to their destination,” said Nick Cameron, chair of the Saint John Transit Commission.
“It’s a big win for everyone and enhances the ease and quality of life our residents enjoy.”
The Jest city bus is a European-style, battery-powered bus with a 15-year life cycle built by Karsan, a European bus and coach manufacturing company. It is equipped with a BMW power train providing an emission-free range of 210km.
The Jest has a regenerative braking system that provides energy recovery by allowing itself to recharge its batteries at a rate of 25 per cent. The city bus has been the transit choice throughout many European countries including Germany, France, Italy, Romania and Portugal due to its high safety rating, passenger safety, manoeuvrability in tight situations and compact design.
“We are not only a forward-thinking community, but also a forward moving one; known as a city of firsts, and for always moving forward”
Damera reports Saint John is one of several municipalities across Canada that it is working with to incorporate the Jest as they advance electrification of their fleets.
In April 2022, Saint John unveiled its plan to eliminate combustion-engine vehicles in its fleet by 2040. Over time, as buses within the fleet reach the end of their lifecycle, Saint John Transit plans to replace them with various size electric buses.
“Green transportation is the future of public transit systems around the world, and the City of Saint John will be a part of it,” added Donna Reardon, mayor.
“We are not only a forward-thinking community, but also a forward moving one; known as a city of firsts, and for always moving forward.”
Damera Bus Sales Canada Corporation is a subsidiary of the Mississauga Bus Group of Companies. It operates within the electric and hydrogen transit and coach space as cities, municipalities and private operators move into the zero-emissions era.
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