An excavator continues with tree-removal to make room for 16 electric bus charging stations between the RDN's north Nanaimo administration building and its neighbouring transit yard. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

electrified

Electric buses to join RDN transit fleet

Apr 23, 2026 | 1:53 PM

NANAIMO — Site preparation work is well underway to establish charging hardware for several heavy-duty electric buses for the Regional District of Nanaimo’s transit system.

A BC Transit news release states the work this spring will clear the way for 10 new electric buses, which will represent the first of its kind for the RDN.

According to BC Transit, 16 charging stations will be established to power the buses.

In a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, BC Transit noted construction of the electric charging infrastructure is expected to begin in July and finished “over winter 2026/2027”, with electric buses expected to enter service upon completion.

“People may see electric buses around town before they enter official service, as we test and commission the buses, and complete operator and maintenance training. We will share more information in the coming months,” the statement read.

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Tree-clearing is ongoing off Calinda St. to make way for the charging stations outside the RDN’s administration building.

Overall, 125 electric buses are being added to eight regional transit systems, while 25 of the buses are already currently in service in Victoria, BC Transit noted.

The buses are being paid for from a Zero Emissions Transit Fund of nearly $170 million from the federal and provincial governments.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Electric buses to join RDN transit fleet

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