In collaboration with Marc-André Bouchard-Fortin, Architect partner

For several months now, STGM has been involved in multiple projects related to the electrification of bus transportation. In line with government objectives for a green economy, transit authorities are working to implement public transportation solutions geared toward a sustainable future. This includes, among other initiatives, the electrification of bus fleets and the upgrading of maintenance facilities. Drawing on its transportation expertise, STGM is involved in transforming infrastructure to integrate electric charging within maintenance centres, a process that comes with numerous challenges.

First, transit authorities must rethink the way they operate. Charging, maintaining, and storing batteries are fundamentally different operations from those associated with gasoline-powered vehicles. These activities not only require dedicated spaces, but also call for a reorganization of workflows within garages. As architects involved in these types of projects, it is essential for us to fully understand these challenges and to act as partners in supporting operational change.

To ensure optimal operations and employee safety, transit authorities must carefully manage the integration of vehicle electrification. Inadequate structural grids, insufficient ceiling heights, loss of parking capacity, evacuation constraints, and the distinct maintenance requirements of electric buses compared to gasoline buses are just some of the parameters that must be considered during the design phase.

Beyond the challenges typically associated with working in existing buildings, the integration of new technologies in maintenance centres raises additional issues related to regulatory compliance. As the charging systems market is rapidly evolving, the organizations that usually oversee construction regulations are struggling to keep pace with the introduction of new equipment. As a result, design teams must remain up to date with official regulatory updates and stay informed about best practices and successful precedents, particularly those published by European transit authorities.

Despite the technical challenges associated with this type of project, it is essential to treat them with the importance they deserve. Not only do they enable the operation of electric transit systems, but they also help reduce our ecological footprint by rehabilitating existing buildings that are still in good condition.

Our expertise in transportation is already well established.

For several years, we have been working on rail transportation projects, including metro and tramway systems, as well as gasoline bus garages. With the electrification of bus garages, we are further strengthening our expertise by offering advisory and support services to transit authorities. We are already collaborating with the STS, exo, and the STM on the transformation of their maintenance centres, as well as with the STL and exo on the planning and construction of expansions or new garages dedicated to their electric bus fleets. By contributing to the development of public transit, we are putting forward our convictions in support of sustainable development.