Sarnia Transit

type of Client
Canadian Transit Agency
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Client
Sarnia Transit
YEAR
2025
buses in operation
1
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Client Description

Sarnia Transit is the public transportation provider for the City of Sarnia, Ontario, delivering essential mobility for residents, workers, seniors, and students across the community. Like many mid-sized Canadian transit agencies, Sarnia Transit is balancing the need to modernize its fleet with limited capital budgets, evolving service patterns, and growing expectations around sustainability and reliability.

As part of its transition toward zero-emission transit, Sarnia Transit took a measured, strategic approach—starting with a right-sized electric vehicle rather than a full fleet conversion.

The Challenge

Electrification presents real opportunities, but also real risks—especially for agencies deploying their first electric bus.

Sarnia Transit faced several common challenges:

  • Introducing electric vehicles without disrupting existing operations
  • Managing risk associated with charging infrastructure investments
  • Ensuring predictable daily operations and maintenance
  • Gaining internal experience with EVs before scaling
  • Delivering visible progress toward sustainability goals without over-committing capital

Rather than pursuing a large, complex rollout, the agency focused on learning, flexibility, and operational confidence.

Why the Karsan eJEST

The Karsan eJEST was selected as an ideal first step into electrification.

As a right-sized, purpose-built electric transit bus, the eJEST allows agencies to:

  • Match vehicle size to real service demand
  • Maintain predictable daily duty cycles
  • Reduce fuel and maintenance costs immediately
  • Avoid deploying oversized vehicles on lower-demand routes
  • Introduce electric service without major operational disruption

With thousands of units operating globally, the eJEST offers proven reliability—making it a practical choice for agencies beginning their electric transition.

One Bus, Done Right

Starting with one electric bus was a deliberate decision.

This approach allows Sarnia Transit to:

  • Validate real-world energy consumption
  • Train operators and maintenance staff incrementally
  • Understand charging behavior and scheduling
  • Build internal confidence before expanding the fleet

A single, well-planned deployment creates a foundation for future growth—without exposing the agency to unnecessary financial or operational risk.

Charging Strategy: Flexible, Scalable, and Future-Ready

To support its first electric bus, Sarnia Transit partnered with WAV ENERGY, selecting a Smart Mobile Charger with a 184 kWh battery pack.

This solution provides:

  • Charging without permanent depot construction
  • Flexibility to support future electric buses
  • Reduced upfront infrastructure costs
  • The ability to adapt charging as service evolves

By avoiding fixed, capital-intensive installations, Sarnia Transit preserved flexibility while ensuring reliable charging from day one.

Damera’s Role

As the North American distributor for Karsan, Damera supported Sarnia Transit throughout the deployment by:

  • Advising on vehicle selection and service fit
  • Coordinating delivery and commissioning
  • Supporting training and operational planning
  • Working closely with charging partners to ensure seamless integration

Our focus is not just delivering vehicles—but helping agencies deploy them successfully in real service.

Results & Impact

  • First zero-emission bus introduced successfully
  • Lower operating and fuel costs compared to legacy vehicles
  • Improved readiness for future electric fleet expansion
  • Minimal infrastructure risk
  • Strong foundation for long-term sustainability goals
  • Support for flexible, on-demand transit service
  • Enhanced accessibility for riders
  • Modern, purpose-built vehicle designed to improve rider comfort and satisfaction

Looking Ahead

Sarnia Transit’s first eJEST is more than a vehicle—it’s a learning platform, a proof point, and a foundation for scalable electrification.

Right-sized electric transit allows agencies to move forward confidently—delivering cleaner service today while preparing for tomorrow.

Let’s Talk

If your agency is considering its first electric bus—or planning how to scale responsibly—Damera’s team is ready to support you every step of the way.


Contact us to explore right-sized electric solutions built for real transit operations.

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