To support the expansion of TransLink’s Battery Electric Bus fleet, PBX provided a detailed design for charging infrastructure at two locations – Hamilton Transit Centre (HTC) and 22nd St Station – marking a significant step toward sustainable transit.

At HTC, the primary depot where the new BEBs are stationed when not in use, 26 plug-in depot chargers (dispensers) were installed. The dispensers provide up to 150kW of charging for BEBs between routes while mitigating cold-soaking of BEB batteries in cold weather. To support the dispensers, the system incorporates seven 150kW charging cabinets, which convert AC to DC voltage. The project team was required to integrate the proposed charging equipment to the existing electrical system at HTC and capitalize on the available capacity of the existing distribution equipment. Minimizing disruptions to HTC’s operations throughout the project was imperative as the facility is a vital hub for TransLink’s bus network.

At 22nd St. Station, an overhead pantograph charger was added to provide on-route fast charging for BEBs on the Line 100. The new pantograph charger delivers 450kW to BEBs and is the second to be installed at 22nd St. Station, enabling simultaneous fast-charging of two BEBs at this station. The new pantograph and supporting electrical infrastructure were incorporated into the existing high voltage electrical system, with provisions to allow for future pantograph charger installations as well as a SCADA system to provide remote monitoring of the charging systems. The Station is busy and serves as a critical hub for regional bus routes and the SkyTrain, resulting in a high-traffic area with minimal space for electrical equipment. These limitations required a strategic approach to equipment layout, balancing operational needs with code requirements.

PBX closely collaborated with Black & McDonald to ensure seamless delivery, providing a sustainable solution to an environmental challenge for this essential service

PBX presented each design milestone to asset managers, maintenance personnel, bus driver representatives, and bus fleet managers to ensure alignment with operational requirements and project goals while guiding TransLink in all stages of decision-making. In addition to meeting project technical requirements, PBX incorporated input from all key stakeholders to ensure that the proposed infrastructure could be integrated into their existing operations.

At HTC, PBX’s design featured compact underground duct banks, enabling streamlined civil works while minimizing disruptions to bus lanes during construction. To achieve this, PBX conducted thermal ampacity calculations to optimize and condense duct bank configurations, facilitating efficient routing of DC power, AC power, and fibre optic communications. Through implementation of a charge energy management system and optimized dispenser configuration, the electrical design enabled a sequential charging strategy which optimized power allocation based on the battery level of the BEBs.

PBX’s detailed design drawings incorporated precise elevations and enlargements, ensuring millimeter-level accuracy in equipment placement to align perfectly with bus positions. At 22nd Street, where space is limited for drivers to maneuver, the pantograph placement was carefully designed to account for the slope of the driving surface, curb height, pantograph extension, and drivers’ parking habits.

The successful implementation of the project marked significant progress in electrification at both sites. Tailored solutions were designed to meet TransLink’s operational needs, enabling a seamless transition to BEB charging. At HTC, two full bus depot yard lanes were electrified, while at 22nd Street, a transit station bus bay was equipped with fast-charging infrastructure, supporting TransLink’s expanding BEB fleet.