• The STM has just received the first of 30 new 100% electric buses.
• The first bus will engage in tests on the streets of Montreal while sandbags stand in for passengers.
• The other 29 buses will arrive starting in June.
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has just announced that it will roll out 30 brand-new electric buses in the coming months. These new buses are phase one of the STM's plan to achieve total electrification of its bus network. There's no better time for the STM to test the capacities of a new bus fleet than in winter when maneuvering can be particularly tricky. The STM has already received the first bus, the remaining 29 will be delivered starting in June 2020.

Over the next few months, the all-new electric bus will be equipped with real-time monitoring devices that will measure "power consumption, battery charging level, deployed power, acceleration profiles, traction and braking in snow, slope capability and operation of the various systems such as ventilation and heating," according to the STM.  

Montrealers can expect to see the new vehicle running on regular routes throughout the winter, though customers won't be able to board the bus (yet!).

According to STM CEO Luc Tremblay, "our goal is to acquire only electric buses by 2025 and our shift is well underway. In 2020, 38 vehicles of various types and using different charging modes will be put into service and added to our three fast-charging buses operated under the City Mobility project." 

The STM is planning to test its new fleet of buses ahead of putting them into circulation next summer.

Drivers will be able to familiarize themselves with the new technology while sandbags will stand-in as riders to "test load weight." The buses will feature heating and air conditioning and two wheelchair ramps.

[rebelmouse-image 26888406 photo_credit="Julien Perron-Gagn\u00e9 | Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM)" expand=1 original_size="1200x800"] Julien Perron-Gagné | Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

These new buses look unique and futuristic and will have a long-charging battery with a range of 250-kilometres. 

[rebelmouse-image 26888489 photo_credit="Julien Perron-Gagn\u00e9 | Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM)" expand=1 original_size="1200x800"] Julien Perron-Gagné | Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

STM spokesperson Phillipe Déry tells MTL Blog that specific lines have not been determined but that they'll be deployed on Western and North-Western regions of Montreal.

READ ALSO: Drivers Are Slipping & Sliding All Over Montreal Today

According to the STM, "this test period is a key step in validating the bus’s compliance with specifications and ensuring the harmonious integration of this new bus type in our network." 

[rebelmouse-image 26888490 photo_credit="Julien Perron-Gagn\u00e9 | Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM)" expand=1 original_size="1200x800"] Julien Perron-Gagné | Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

If you want to see the buses before they roll out on the STM's network, the STM is inviting the public to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Montreal bus network. You can visit the Legendre STM garage on November 23 from noon to 5 p.m.  

Laval residents will also be able to see these buses on their own network! The Société de transport de Laval (STL) purchased 10 of these buses to test on its network over the winter. 

[rebelmouse-image 26888488 alt="The STM Is Testing A New 100% Electric Bus On Montreal Streets Just In Time For Winter" photo_credit="Julien Perron-Gagn\u00e9 | courtesy Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM)" expand=1 original_size="1200x630"] Julien Perron-Gagné | courtesy Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

Be on the look-out for the sandbag-filled bus in the coming months!

More information on the new buses is available on the STM website!