Toronto Transit Pilots Hydrogen-Powered Bus Fleet

Toronto’s public transit agency has launched a pilot program using hydrogen-powered buses in an effort to reduce emissions and improve urban sustainability.

2025-06-09 02:13

By By Veronica Parker, True North Journal

Toronto is taking a significant step toward greener transit with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered bus pilot program. The TTC unveiled the initiative this week with a fleet of 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses designed to produce zero emissions while delivering the same performance as traditional diesel models.

The pilot marks a pivotal moment in the city’s broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward a more sustainable public transportation system. According to TTC officials, the buses will operate on key routes across the city for a year while performance data is collected and analyzed.

Hydrogen buses differ from electric buses in that they convert hydrogen gas into electricity using a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes them particularly attractive for longer routes or colder climates where battery performance can be limited.

“We see hydrogen as a vital part of the mix,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Bains. “This trial allows us to understand how the technology performs in real-world conditions and whether it could be scaled citywide in the future.”

The project is part of a $12 million investment supported by provincial and federal grants, and includes infrastructure development at TTC’s garage facilities. Fueling stations have been built to safely store and supply hydrogen for the vehicles.

Riders will not notice much difference in ride quality, but transit operators say the environmental benefits are substantial. Preliminary estimates suggest each hydrogen bus could reduce CO2 emissions by over 100 metric tons annually compared to its diesel counterpart.