The majority of Quebec's fleet of electric school buses have been cleared to return to service after a government-ordered safety inspection, triggered by a fire incident earlier this month. The province-wide inspection was a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.
Province-Wide Inspection Follows Fire Incident
In early September 2025, the Quebec government made the decision to pull all electric school buses off the roads. This decisive action came after a fire was reported involving one of the vehicles. The move underscored the province's commitment to prioritizing safety, especially concerning student transportation.
The inspection process was comprehensive, focusing on the entire fleet of Lion Electric school buses operating across Quebec. Technicians and safety officials worked to identify any potential issues that could pose a fire risk. The buses were examined at various depots, including facilities like the Autobus Beaconsfield-Scolaire Élite garage in Montreal, where they were photographed on Friday, September 12, 2025, during the grounding.
Buses Cleared for Return to Service
As of September 17, 2025, the provincial government has given the green light for most of the inspected buses to resume their routes. Officials have confirmed that the rigorous inspections did not uncover any widespread systemic faults that would necessitate a continued fleet-wide grounding.
The return of the buses marks a significant step towards normalcy for many school districts that rely on these zero-emission vehicles. The incident, however, has highlighted the growing pains associated with the transition to electric transportation in public services. While the specific cause of the initial fire that prompted the inspection has not been publicly detailed in this update, the completion of the safety checks provides reassurance.
Ongoing Focus on Safety and Technology
This event places a spotlight on the intersection of new technology, public infrastructure, and safety protocols. Quebec has been a leader in adopting electric vehicles for public transit, and this incident represents one of the first major safety tests for its large-scale electric school bus program.
The swift government response—first grounding the fleet and then authorizing its return after inspections—demonstrates a proactive approach to risk management. It is expected that both the government and manufacturers like Lion Electric will continue to monitor the performance of these vehicles closely. The episode serves as a reminder of the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and inspection regimes for all vehicle types, especially those incorporating newer technologies.
Parents, school boards, and transportation companies will be relieved that service has largely resumed. The incident underscores a commitment to ensuring that the environmental benefits of electric school buses are matched by an unwavering dedication to student safety.
