PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
Grand River Transit (GRT) faced the challenge of installing charging infrastructure and upgrading transformer capacity to support battery-electric buses.
Grand River Transit Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility
Leading the charge toward sustainable public transportation
The solution
Arcadis designed GRT's facility to support battery-electric buses, future charging expansion, and features like energy-efficient systems.
The impact
GRT will transition to battery-electric buses, using insights to deliver more sustainable transit for the Waterloo Region.
11 battery-electric bus
chargers installed
350,000 sq ft
maintenance and operations facility serving the Waterloo Region
The challenge
Grand River Transit’s (GRT) decision to begin transitioning its fleet to zero-emission vehicles is a significant step toward improving its fleet’s sustainability. To support battery-electric buses (BEBs) in addition to diesel-powered buses, GRT needed to install operationally appropriate charging infrastructure and provisions for increased transformer and switchgear capacity at its new Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility in Waterloo, Ontario. By investing in this infrastructure, GRT is laying the groundwork for the success of its BEB fleet and establishing the resources needed to eventually transition its entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
The solution
Arcadis provided transit electrification modeling, charging infrastructure design, electrical system upgrades, architectural design, construction management, and sustainability solutions for GRT’s Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility. Using its SparkFleet transit electrification operations modeling software, Arcadis calculated the energy requirements for GRT’s service blocks. This tool helped determine which service blocks could be effectively operated based on the battery capacity of the new BEBs being acquired. SparkFleet also guided the assessment of the necessary charging infrastructure, determining its optimal placement and operation to ensure efficient charging at the GRT Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility.
We identified opportunities in the electrical design to assist GRT in installing more charging equipment in the future to accommodate upcoming BEB purchases. These considerations were included in the development of the new 350,000-square foot GRT Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility for the Waterloo Region. The building contains charging infrastructure to support the pilot BEBs, plus provisions to add charging units for future BEBs.
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Sustainability was a priority throughout the facility’s design, which includes onsite solar power, a vegetated green roof, water reclamation systems, LED lighting, and energy recovery technology. This project is LEED Silver certified, featuring energy-efficient systems and technology, and takes advantage of energy grants and rebate programs.
The impact
Dual-port chargers were installed, each capable of supporting two BEBs simultaneously, reducing the capital costs of charging infrastructure and helping to manage peak power demand from the grid. As GRT transitions toward a fully electric fleet, these cost-saving measures will be essential in scaling the infrastructure efficiently.
The pilot program provides GRT with valuable insights into the operational, infrastructural, and power requirements for a full BEB transition. This early experience will help shape a long-term strategy to phase out traditional diesel buses, positioning GRT as a leader in sustainable transit operations.
