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Paratransit buses - Making Transit in Canada Better

May 2, 2025
Damera News
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Closing the Gap: Making Transit Work for All

When someone needs transit but can’t access it — due to limited mobility, long distances to bus stops, or unreliable scheduling — it creates a real gap in equity and opportunity. At Damera Corporation, that’s the gap we’re here to close.

Paratransit agencies today face multiple pressures: rising operating costs, evolving accessibility standards, growing ridership demand, and the need to reduce environmental impact. Fuel and maintenance alone can account for 30–40% of total expenses (APTA, 2022). At Damera, we offer a data-supported, real-world solution: purpose-built electric vehicles like the Karsan eJEST — designed to meet these challenges head-on.

Why This Matters for Transit Agencies

As part of the Mississauga Bus Group of Companies, Damera brings over 20 years of experience in the transit industry. We operate full-scale repair and refurbishment facilities and specialize in accessible minibuses that combine durability, design, and intelligent engineering.

Our vehicles are carefully selected and supported by our technical team — a team capable of reassembling buses and operating OEM-grade software to ensure every model is optimized for the realities of public transit.

The Karsan eJEST is more than a vehicle — it’s a scalable, flexible solution ideal for paratransit and suburban routes:

✅ ADA-compliant with low-floor entry and built-in ramp
✅ Capacity for 10 fixed seats and up to 19 total passengers
✅ Compact size for narrow residential streets
✅ 12+ year lifecycle and robust structure built for frequent stops
✅ USB charging, Wi-Fi, and a smooth, quiet ride

A Better Transit Experience, For More People

In North America, where suburban development often outpaces transit investment, too many riders are left without viable public transportation. We believe transit should be simple, inclusive, and dignified — and modern design plays a crucial role.

Our electric, accessible minibuses are designed to create a supportive, healing atmosphere, making riders feel welcomed from door to destination. And thanks to our integration with platforms like Argo, agencies can now offer on-demand booking that matches the convenience of ridesharing — at a fraction of the cost.

The Data-Driven Case for Electrification

Switching to electric isn’t just about sustainability — it’s about operational performance. Here’s what the data tells us:

✅ Operational Cost Savings

  • 60–80% lower energy costs per mile
  • 30–45% reduced maintenance costs
  • $43,000–$80,000 saved per vehicle over 12 years (Proterra, CALSTART, BloombergNEF)

✅ Environmental Impact

  • Zero tailpipe emissions (NOx, PM2.5, VOCs)
  • Cleaner air in communities and alignment with city climate goals

✅ Passenger Comfort & Accessibility

  • 10–15 dB quieter ride (Edmonton Transit Service, 2020)
  • Reduced vibration, smoother acceleration
  • Low-floor design with optimized ramp angles

✅ Funding Alignment

  • Eligibility for major grants like ZETF (Canada)

✅ Reliability & Efficiency

  • Fewer moving parts, lower downtime
  • Seamless integration with smart routing tools like ARGO

How Damera Supports Your Transition

We don’t just deliver buses — we help agencies build the future of transit with:

  • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis
  • Phased electrification roadmaps
  • Funding guidance for grants and incentive programs
  • Custom charging infrastructure planning
  • Driver and technician training (including high-voltage certification)
  • Pilot programs for real-world performance validation
  • Performance monitoring and optimization tools

Why Frequency Matters

Electric minibuses like the eJEST allow agencies to deploy more vehicles for the same cost as one large diesel bus — enabling better frequency, shorter wait times, and increased ridership. This flexibility is especially important for suburban or low-density areas, where service gaps are most common.

A Smart, Inclusive, and Sustainable Future

Electric paratransit vehicles aren’t just about meeting requirements — they’re about transforming lives. With reduced costs, improved rider experience, and alignment with long-term sustainability goals, now is the time to act.

Partnering with Damera means you’re backed by a team that understands vehicles, infrastructure, and the communities you serve.

📩 Ready to make the shift? Contact us today to schedule a conversation or demo:

905-696-8328
sales@dameracorp.com

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