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Zero to 200 – Federal government and Langs Bus Lines race ahead on fleet electrification

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LONDON, ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The federal government is partnering with Langs Bus Lines to replace nearly half their diesel school buses with 200 electric ones.

The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary Peter Fragiskatos; MP Arielle Kayabaga; Brian Reilly, Senior Director of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB); and Kevin Langs, Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines.

Infrastructure Canada is providing more than $22.2 million in federal funding through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) to Langs. CIB has also reached financial close on a $22.4 million investment with them.

Both the ZETF funding and the CIB loan will work together to support purchasing the new buses by 2026. In addition, a portion of the ZETF investment will go towards installing the required chargers and upgrading existing facilities in five sites across southwestern Ontario. The new buses will serve students in Sarnia, Strathroy, London, and Woodstock’s most populated communities.

Over $600,000 of the total ZETF funding will support a feasibility study to support Langs in strengthening its knowledge and preparing for the transition.

Meanwhile, CIB’s loan will help cover the higher upfront capital costs of the buses, helping  accelerate the transition.

A family run business for over 50 years, Langs Bus Lines operates buses, vans and mobility accessible vehicles for home to school transportation in London, Sarnia, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, and surrounding areas throughout Southwestern Ontario. Transitioning to an electric fleet is in line with their vision to drive clean and reduce students’ exposure to bus emissions.

Quotes

“Electric school buses will help 9,000 students in Southwestern Ontario get to school safely. At the same time, they will play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target of net-zero by 2050.”

Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“School buses fulfill a critical need in our communities by providing a safe and reliable way for children to arrive at school. These vehicles drive thousands of kilometres every year, contributing to pollution and noise. The federal government’s investment in 200 electric, zero-emission school buses for Langs Bus Lines will benefit students and our communities for years to come.”

Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West

“Diesel buses significantly contribute to carbon emissions across the country and there is an important opportunity to transform the school bus market to electric. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s investment in Langs Bus Lines will help students get to and from school in sustainable zero-emission vehicles.”

Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank

“We are delighted to receive this support through the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, to assist us in providing safe and sustainable student transportation. With this funding, we will replace diesel engine buses that are retiring from service with zero-emission battery electric school buses. Thousands of students in our service area throughout southwestern Ontario will benefit from a safe, emissions-free ride every school day.”

Kevin Langs, Vice-President, Langs Bus Lines Limited

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing more than $22.2 million in the electrification of Langs Bus Lines’ fleet through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is providing a $22.4 million investment. Langs Bus Lines is contributing more than $23.08 million.Replacing 200 diesel buses with electric ones will reduce yearly greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 tonnes, equivalent to offsetting the yearly energy consumption of 550 homes.The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada’s net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working toward a cleaner environment for our kids while creating jobs and supporting Canadian manufacturing.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.This Fund is closely coordinated with the CIB’s Zero Emission Bus Initiative through which the Bank has committed more than $1.5 billion to supporting the deployment of zero emission buses.The CIB’s Zero Emission Bus Initiative assists transit agencies and school bus operators to transition their fleets to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles.The CIB seeks to invest up to CAD $5 billion into public transit projects that are in the public interest and support Canadian sustainable economic growth.

Associated Links

Zero Emission Transit Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/zero-emissions-trans-zero-emissions/index-eng.html 

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Canada Infrastructure Bank – Zero Emission Buses Initiative
https://cib-bic.ca/en/sectors/public-transit/ 

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html 

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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AU NOMO Credit Card: A Smart Way to Leverage Fixed Deposits

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AHMEDABAD, India, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has unveiled its latest offering, the AU NOMO Credit Card, a groundbreaking financial product that allows individuals to access credit while still growing their savings. This innovative credit card leverages the power of Fixed Deposits (FDs) as collateral, providing cardholders with enhanced purchasing power without compromising their long-term savings goals.

The AU NOMO Credit Card enables users to use their fixed deposits to secure a credit limit, offering a unique opportunity for first-time credit card applicants or individuals wanting to build their credit scores responsibly. This solution particularly benefits those with limited documentation or a lack of traditional credit history.

Key Features of the AU NOMO Credit Card

Contactless Payments: Enjoy secure and seamless tap-and-pay transactions for daily purchases.Card Liability Protection: Safeguards user against unauthorized transactions, card skimming, and online fraud with comprehensive liability coverage.Reward Points Program: User can earn reward points on retail, utility, and insurance transactions to maximize the value of their spending.Milestone Rewards: Unlock additional rewards for meeting specific quarterly spending goals.Lounge Access Benefits: Get complimentary access to domestic airport and railway lounges, subject to meeting spending criteria.Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel transactions within a specified range with a surcharge waiver.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s what one must know for eligibility criteria for AU NOMO credit card: 

Age: 18 to 75 yearsCitizenship: Indian ResidentFixed Deposit: Creation and maintenance of a fixed deposit with AU Small Finance Bank

The AU NOMO Credit Card (Credit Card against FD) offers an easy and seamless application process with a digital interface, making it accessible to anyone looking to leverage their savings for immediate spending power. The card promises to meet the needs of those starting their credit journey and those seeking additional flexibility in their financial dealings.

The AU NOMO Credit Card redefines the traditional approach to credit by allowing users to continue earning interest on their Fixed Deposits while enjoying the purchasing power that comes with a credit card. Whether for essential daily expenses or significant purchases, the AU NOMO Credit Card perfectly balances saving and spending, empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals without compromise.

For more information on the AU NOMO Credit Card, visit https://www.aubank.in/personal-banking/credit-cards/nomo-credit-card

About AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank, one of India’s leading small finance banks, is committed to transforming banking by focusing on customer-centric services and a deep understanding of the Indian market. More details on AU Small Finance Bank and its financial products like credit cards can be found online.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556252/5023474/AU_Small_Finance_Bank_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/au-nomo-credit-card-a-smart-way-to-leverage-fixed-deposits-302338324.html

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Treat Yourself to a New Christmas Experience by Self-Gifting viaim’s AI Recording Earbuds, Perfect for a More Pleasant and Efficient Workplace

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Christmas approaches, the concept of self-gifting has become more popular with top business executives to help them get into the holiday mood. Especially designed for the office, a gift of AI recording true wireless earbuds launched by viaim, an AI technology hardware company deeply rooted in the smart office sector, can improve work efficiency, thereby lifting the spirits and improving quality of life for busy workplace elites ahead of the busy and stressful holiday period.

The person who understands themselves best is themselves. It is in this spirit that viaim is encouraging people to give themselves some extra love and care during this holiday season because they deserve it. The Christmas self-gifting trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years sees people pay more and more attention to creating a higher quality life for themselves in their busy work lives. Especially towards the end of the year, consumers are choosing to treat themselves with practical and pleasant gifts for Christmas. Earbuds have become a solid choice for self-gifting because of their usefulness in multiple scenarios, allowing users to enjoy a quality listening experience during work meetings and holiday relaxation time.

The amazing features of the Viaim Nano+ and Viaim Air open-ear AI recording true wireless earbuds make them the perfect choice for self-gifting this Christmas

13 language transcription and real-time translation: During the Christmas holidays, many business professionals travel internationally with friends or spend the holidays with family in countries that don’t speak their native language. viaim headphones allow users to communicate with local people around the world, jumping the language barrier and making cross-border communication smoother and the journey more interactive, fun, and memorable.VIAIM AI Smart Assistant: Generate Summaries and To-Do Lists with one click to help quickly complete an annual report or New Year’s business plan, allowing the festive atmosphere to be enjoyed without missing any key points.Flash Record function: Whether it is to conceive new ideas for next year’s project or suddenly think of a perfect Christmas gift list, inspiration during the holidays is often fleeting. Long press the viaim earbuds for one-click flash recording to capture ideas as soon as the spark of inspiration comes to mind.Noise reduction and a comfortable wearing experience: High-quality 45db noise reduction can provide users with a moment of quietness at Christmas parties, and the comfortable and lightweight design is suitable for long-term wear, meaning a quiet and enjoyable listening atmosphere can be enjoyed during the holidays.

Cecile from VIAIM shared: “Christmas is the time of year to relax and be grateful. It is of course a time to give gifts and be generous to others, but we also must remember to be kind to the person that knows us best – ourselves. Through our brand vision of “work smarter, not harder,” we hope to help people find their own special holiday moments in their busy work life by using our super-efficient office earbuds, so that everyone can enjoy a more productive and enjoyable life experience. I would like to personally wish all our customers, both new and old, a peaceful, relaxing, and happy Christmas.”

About VIAIM

VIAIM is an innovative technology company in the consumer-goods sector. With a focus on versatile, multimodal interactions, we strive to provide effective solutions that meet users’ specific needs. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we bring our visionary ideals to life, helping people embrace the incredible possibilities the Company offers.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/treat-yourself-to-a-new-christmas-experience-by-self-gifting-viaims-ai-recording-earbuds-perfect-for-a-more-pleasant-and-efficient-workplace-302339158.html

SOURCE VIAIM

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Lights Up Your Creativity from Online to Offline: Wondershare Filmora’s “A New Wonder to Share” Campaign Inspires Creators Everywhere

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TOKYO, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Video may have killed the radio star, but the rise of the internet did not make videos obsolete. Instead, we’ve reached a digital media landscape where video content reigns supreme. We’ve also reached a point where video content is incredibly saturated, and truly “light up” amidst the noise is increasingly challenging. The key often lies in the seemingly ordinary moments around us — moments that hold the potential for extraordinary stories. A beautifully prepared meal, a stunning view, or even a fleeting smile can become the spark for captivating content.

Wondershare Filmora’s latest campaign video, “A New Wonder to Share,” embraces this philosophy, captivating Japanese audiences within mere seconds. Powered by the advanced AI capabilities of Filmora 14 and paired with heartwarming visuals, the video is extending from online platforms to offline advertisements, resonating deeply with viewers and spreading a message of creativity and connection during this festive season.

Situated in the vibrant heart of Tokyo, the Shibuya district is globally renowned as a symbol of youth culture, creativity, and innovation. As part of Filmora’s “A New Wonder to Share” campaign, the district’s iconic screen now features the campaign’s latest video, complemented by ads across the Yamanote and Yokosuka · Sōbu Lines. Through vivid storytelling and captivating visuals, the video invites audiences to embrace moments of joy, growth, and discovery. This display in Shibuya underscores Filmora’s vision of celebrating individuality and lighting up creativity on a global stage, inspiring viewers to uncover life’s unexpected surprises and share their unique stories with the world.

As part of the “A New Wonder to Share” campaign, Filmora has also launched an online video challenge. Running from December 7 to December 31, participants are invited to create 20-second videos using the latest version, Filmora 14. By sharing their creations on designated social media platforms, they stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including an iPad, digital gift cards worth 20,000 yen, and Filmora memberships.

Wondershare Filmora is committed to empowering users with cutting-edge tools and creative resources. The latest release, Filmora 14, makes it effortless to transform everyday moments into extraordinary memories. Packed with over ten innovative AI features and professional editing functions, including Smart Short Clips, Smart Scene Cut, AI Color Palette, Multi-Camera Editing, and Planar Tracking, the software enables creators of all skill levels to streamline their video production process.

A highlight of the Filmora 14 update is the Smart Short Clips feature, which revolutionizes the way creators approach video content. This AI-powered tool intelligently analyzes your footage, pinpointing the most engaging highlights and turning it into eye-catching short clips, perfect for all social media platforms. With minimal manual effort, Smart Short Clips simplifies the editing process, automatically generating polished videos. The feature also adds subtitles and designs through customizable templates to enhance both visual appeal and accessibility.

As one of Wondershare’s flagship products, Filmora continues to strengthen its presence in the Japanese consumer market through collaborations with renowned brands and creators, including Japan’s leading anime and illustration community pixiv, NetEase’s survival horror game Identity V, and YouTuber 『 Kazuki no Tane 』. At the same time, Filmora actively hosts UGC competitions, inspiring more individuals across various fields in Japan to explore the exciting world of video creation, earning widespread acclaim and love from Japanese users.

About Wondershare

Wondershare is a globally recognized software company, known for its innovative solutions in creativity and productivity. Driven by the mission “Creativity Simplified,” Wondershare offers a range of tools, including Filmora and UniConverter for video creativity; PDFelement for document management; EdrawMax, EdrawMind for diagramming; and SelfyzAI, Pixpic for image editing. With over 1.5 billion users across 200+ countries and regions, Wondershare empowers the next generation of creators with intuitive software, trendy creative resources, and a dynamic ecosystem, continually expanding the possibilities of creativity worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/lights-up-your-creativity-from-online-to-offline-wondershare-filmoras-a-new-wonder-to-share-campaign-inspires-creators-everywhere-302339167.html

SOURCE Wondershare Technology

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