Winnipeg’s New Flyer Industries plugging in to Transit fleet upgrade

Winnipeg-based New Flyer Industries is willing to be a true partner in converting Winnipeg Transit’s fleet to electric buses.

In a Global News Exclusive, President and CEO Paul Soubry said they want to explore financing options to help the cash-strapped city and provincial governments.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Transit rates on the rise, routes possibly cut: City of Winnipeg budget

“We need to be far more active and progressive in rethinking on how we can be a catalyst for changing the way it works,” Soubry said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We need to be far more active and progressive in rethinking on how we can be a catalyst for changing the way it works," Soubry said.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Whether it means we get into turn-key operations, or whether there is a story around financing or changing the way government pays, or leasing batteries and buying the buses… but I think the game is going to be different and we are going to be active.”

LISTEN: Paul Soubry from New Flyer spoke on CJOB Thursday

Five New Flyer electric buses are on the road in Winnipeg right now. All have passed cold-weather testing.  There are 623 buses in the Winnipeg Transit fleet.

READ MORE: City should look to add 12-20 electric buses: report

Soubry said he’s talking with all three levels of government and so far he’s had a positive response.