How it unfolded
In recent years, the landscape of school transportation in Quebec has undergone a significant transformation, particularly with the emergence of LION, a company dedicated to the production of electric school buses. Founded in Saint-Jérôme, LION focuses exclusively on designing and assembling electric buses, a move that aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions. As of March 17, 2026, LION has made notable progress, having sold nearly 550 buses since May 2025, with over 100 of these already delivered to various school districts.
As of now, there are approximately 1,400 LION electric school buses currently in circulation across Quebec. This expansion is not only a testament to the company’s innovative approach but also reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability within the education sector. The buses are praised for being economical, quiet, and comfortable, making them an attractive option for school transporters and parents alike.
Luc Sabbatini, a key figure at LION, emphasized the importance of listening to the concerns of school transporters during a period of uncertainty. “Nous sommes arrivés après une période de turbulences, alors que les transporteurs étaient inquiets, à juste titre. Nous les avons écoutés, et ce qu’ils nous ont dit a orienté chacune de nos décisions,” he stated, highlighting the company’s responsive approach to the needs of its partners.
In addition to the sales figures, LION has established agreements with eight regional school transporters to act as service centers, further enhancing the operational support available for these electric buses. This strategic move not only aids in the maintenance of the buses but also strengthens the collaboration between LION and local transporters, ensuring that the transition to electric buses is as seamless as possible.
The Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Cantons (CSS des Hauts-Cantons) has also been impacted by this shift towards electric transport. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the CSS des Hauts-Cantons reported total expenses of 151.3 million CAD, with transportation costs accounting for 8% of its operating expenses. The operational budget is primarily funded by the Ministry of Education, which covers 85% of expenses, indicating a strong reliance on government support for school transportation services.
Despite the financial challenges, the CSS des Hauts-Cantons has seen an increase in revenue, reaching 152.1 million CAD for the same fiscal year, an increase of 10.4 million CAD from the previous year. This financial growth may provide the necessary resources to invest further in sustainable transport solutions, such as LION’s electric buses.
LION’s commitment to safety is also paramount, as the company prioritizes the well-being of both students and drivers. The electrification of school transport is seen as an opportunity to combine economic development, industrial innovation, and collective responsibility. “L’électrification du transport scolaire, c’est une occasion de conjuguer développement économique, innovation industrielle et responsabilité collective; et nous sommes fiers d’y contribuer concrètement,” Sabbatini remarked, underscoring the broader implications of this transition.
As the demand for electric school transport continues to grow, LION’s role in this evolving landscape is becoming increasingly significant. The company’s efforts not only contribute to the decarbonization of the economy but also set a precedent for other regions to follow suit. With the ongoing support from educational institutions and the government, the future of school transport in Quebec appears to be heading towards a more sustainable and innovative direction.
