50 Years of Brampton Transit

Our Story Through the Decades

Brampton Transit’s journey began in the mid 1970s, after the formation of the City of Brampton. What started as a modest transit operation has grown in step with a rapidly expanding city, connecting people to where they live, work, learn and play. Through our commitment to providing reliable and efficient public transit, Brampton Transit has been integral in supporting the city’s transformation over the years.

2026 proudly marks 50 years of service at Brampton Transit. We extend our sincere thanks to our riders and employees for their trust and support over the past five decades. As we celebrate our journey, we look ahead with optimism, committed to building a connected, accessible and sustainable transit system for the years to come.

1974

The City of Brampton came to be on January 1, 1974, by the amalgamation of the Town of Brampton, Township of Chinguacousy (including Bramalea), Toronto Gore Township, and a small of portion of the Town of Mississauga.

Photo Credits: Chris Prentice

1976

As a unified transit system, Brampton Transit officially started serving the City of Brampton on January 1, 1976, as a result of the amalgamation of two transit services. The first fixed route service now operated in the City alongside the “dial-a-bus” service.

Photo Credits: Paul A. Bateson

1980

Designed for 200 buses, the Clark Transit Facility opened in May of 1980. The former “dial-a-bus” vehicles were retired and the first three 40-foot buses (8067 to 8069) were purchased to support the rapid growth at Brampton Transit.

Photo Credits: Chris Prentice

1989

Brampton Transit introduces the first double decker bus within Ontario. The double decker bus would continue to operate in Brampton for 23 years, officially retiring in 2012.

Photo Credits: Paul A. Bateson

1990

In collaboration with Vaughan Transit, Brampton Transit launched the first fully integrated, jointly operated service between the two transit systems in the GTHA. Route 77 came to be as a result of this joint operation.

Photo Credits: Paul A. Bateson

2005

All routes were reconstructed into a gride-based system in 2005 with increased service hours/frequencies added.

Photo Credits: Paul A. Bateson

2008

Opening in June of 2008, Brampton Transit opened its second Transit Facility located at 130 Sandalwood Parkway West.

2010

On September 20, 2010, Brampton Transit launched Züm, Brampton’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. Züm’s Queen Street line launched first followed by two more additional BRT lines in the coming years. The Züm buses introduced the Canadian-made New Flyer Xcelsior hybrid diesel-electric models.

2012

Articulated hybrid diesel-electric Züm buses were added to the fleet.

2021

In spring of 2021, the largest single global deployment of standardized and fully interoperable battery electric buses and high-powered overhead on-route charging systems launched at Brampton Transit. The first 8 e-buses were added to the fleet.

2026

Celebrating 50 years of Brampton Transit.