The City of Prince Albert’s transit fleet now has received three additional replacement transit buses for use on its City bus routes. These buses supplement the used buses that were obtained to temporarily serve transit users while the City explores a warranty claim for its transit fleet. Two buses are on the road with one being prepared to go into service in the next week.
“These three buses have been provided as a result of the warranty claim. We have been told that more will be provided. These are a more typical type of municipal transit bus with low floor access and more suitable for full day operation,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “We expect to see less disruptions in the route schedules with these buses on the road.”
The City has been working through a warranty claim since April 2021 when the City’s transit fleet was taken off the road due to safety concerns following the discovery of cracks in the frames of the buses. Used buses from the school division were obtained as a temporary measure to serve transit users.
The warranty claim was pursued immediately following the discovery of the cracks. Independent engineering inspections were required to confirm the cause and the City has received confirmation from Vincity Motor Corp that they remain in the process of exploring a repair plan for the fleet as part of the warranty claim.
“A repair schedule was expected in December, and more replacement buses were to be provided to us. Now we are nearing the end of February,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “Conversations are ongoing but it’s disappointing that warranty commitments are being stalled or forgotten. We are determined to take necessary action to protect the City’s interests, and we will very soon have more to say on that.”
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Wes Hicks
Director, Public Works
(306) 953-4900