New buses almost ready for action

In the coming weeks drivers around Sault Ste. Marie will likely notice something different about city transit.

The city has purchased four new NOVA buses, two of which arrived in Sault Ste. Marie on Monday.

Transit Manager Don Scott said he expects at least one of the four buses to be in service on Friday or Saturday as mechanic and drivers receive training from representatives from NOVA.

The busses have a lifespan of 18 years and are considered the best available.

“What we have are four new buses that are equipped with six-cylinder, 280-horse, low-emission engines,” said Scott. “They’re the best on the market. They have a stainless-steel chassis. That’s going to allow us to drive these busses for 18 years without worrying about corrosion from salt and sanding during the winter. They’re all air-conditioned. They’re all wheelchair accessible. They’re just the best on the market right now.”

The buses also are more fuel-efficient.

The new buses also have enough room for four more passengers than the current busses.

The buses mark the first new bus purchases since 1998.