LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge bus drivers are test driving one of two new vehicles this month, after the city was awarded $12.3 million in provincial money to upgrade the local transit system.
READ MORE: Lethbridge Transit buses to get $12M face lift
The New Flyer “MiDi” is “a medium-sized, low-floor bus,” according to the Manitoba company’s website. At 30 feet, the bus is much smaller and lighter compared to units in the current fleet.
Current city busses seat nearly 40 passengers, the “MiDi” has room for just 24, meaning the new busses would likely be used for connector routes in and out of outlying suburban neighbourhoods, like Legacy Ridge on the north side of the city.
City bus drivers are being asked to offer their feedback along with transit users. While the smaller, lighter busses may have some advantages when it comes to maneuverability and lower emissions, there are still many factors Lethbridge Transit needs to evaluate.
“Fuel efficiency is important,” Lethbridge Transit maintenance manager, Scott Grieco, said. “Another big thing with the smaller bus is we need to find out if it’s accessible to all of our customers.”
Another medium-sized bus called the “Vicinity” was tested in June and is being considered for the future fleet as well.
Lethbridge Transit says the feedback from these test runs will be prepared for city council, which will ultimately decide which bus and how many busses will be purchased for next year.
Transit users can e-mail feedback to transit@lethbridge.ca
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