Ottawa’s Transit Dilemma: Hydrogen or Electric Buses?
Ottawa is at a crossroads as it debates the future of its public transit system, with aging buses and tight budgets forcing tough decisions. The city’s OC Transpo currently operates around 30 battery electric buses amidst a fleet dominated by diesel vehicles. As these older models reach the end of their service lives, the question arises: should Ottawa invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology or stick to battery electrics?The debate isn't just about which type of bus is better; it's also about reliability and cost-effectiveness. Michael Barnard, who recently attended a Transit Commission meeting, noticed that some councillors were still considering hydrogen buses despite the challenges seen elsewhere in Canada. Councillor Lo’s draft amendment even hinted at reopening the door to hydrogen te...