Milton recognized nationally for innovation in diesel-to-electric conversion

The Town of Milton has been recognized for national leadership in clean transit

innovation, receiving the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Award for

Innovation for its successful conversion of a diesel bus to electric battery power.

CUTA, a national organization that has championed Canadian urban transit for more

than 100 years, presents this award to transit organizations to recognize excellence in

using technology to make services more efficient.

In its announcement, CUTA stated that Milton’s first-in-Canada project demonstrates

how mid-life conversions can offer smaller transit systems a path to electrification.

Tony D’Alessandro, Director, Transit Services, accepted the award at the 2025 Fall

CUTA Conference in Montreal. The brightly coloured, converted bus is now serving

residents on Milton’s roads every day.

In partnership with MTB Transit Solutions, the Town launched the Diesel-to-Battery

Electric Bus (BEB) Mid-Life Conversion Pilot Project to explore converting a mid-life

diesel bus to a fully electric drivetrain. The project supports Milton’s transition to zero-

emission transit fleet.

The pilot tests performance, cost, and service impacts, while building local expertise in

BEB technology. Launched in July 2025, the converted bus reduces emissions, lowers

maintenance costs, and improves rider comfort.

Learn more about the project and view multimedia at www.milton.ca/ElectricBus

Quotes

“We are thrilled that CUTA, the voice of public transit in Canada, recognizes Milton’s

commitment to finding innovative, practical ways to reduce emissions and support a

more sustainable future. We are proud to see our efforts making a difference on the

road and across the industry.”

- Tony D’Alessandro

Director, Transit Services

“We congratulate the Town on this award as we collaborate to show what’s possible

when we apply innovation to real-world transit challenges. Mid-life conversions offer

communities a faster, more affordable way to transition to zero-emission fleets—and

Milton is helping lead that change.”

- Gara Hay

President, MTB Transit Solutions

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rob Faulkner

Senior Advisor, Public Relations