Transit Windsor board approves purchase of 24 new buses

The Transit Windsor board has approved going ahead with purchasing 24new, fuel efficient buses.

They will replace aging buses in the fleet.

Transit Windsor executive director Tyson Cragg said the buses will be more cost efficient and better for the environment.

"[With] improvements in diesel engine technology and in technology in general over the last 15 or 20 years, these buses are more efficient, less prone to break down, provide better service for our passengers," said Cragg, adding that buses emit less greenhouse gases.

Coun. Kieran McKenzie is one of thefive councillors on the board.

He saidthe buses are consistent with the city's transit master plan.

"Not to mention, why it was important for us to bring it forward today was that there's a grant opportunity that the City of Windsor is going to be in a position to be able to leverage.

The cost of the buses totals over$17 millionbut the city will be eligible for federal and provincial infrastructure grant money totalling nearly $12.3 million.

McKenzie saidthe federal governmenthas already promised the money as part of a 10-year plan.

The proposal goes before city council in a month for approval. The board also approved continuing an agreement to purchase buses through a consortium it has been dealing with.