Winnipeg, Manitoba, December 14, 2007 - Committed to improving public
transit infrastructure in Winnipeg, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of
the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister
of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Steve Ashton, Minister
of Intergovernmental Affairs for Manitoba, and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz are
pleased to announce the arrival of Winnipeg Transit's first articulated
hybrid electric test bus. An integral part of the transit enhancements
announced earlier this year, the newest member of Winnipeg's fleet will
begin its five month testing period this week."We are pleased to
see that the City of Winnipeg is using its federal Gas Tax and Public
Transit Capital Trust funding to improve its transit services. These
improvements to Winnipeg's transit system will encourage the use of public
transportation, resulting in fewer cars on the road, faster commute times,
and less greenhouse gas emissions," said Minister Toews. "This new
bus uses cutting edge technology that will be much more fuel efficient and
environmentally friendly," said Minister Ashton. "The province has been a
partner in the initiative by providing $3.84 million in funding to the
City of Winnipeg for the purchase of these new buses. Since 1999, the
province's annual transit operating grant to Winnipeg has increased by 52
per-cent to $24.9 million, with a 9 per-cent increase in
2007.""I'm ecstatic that the wheels of the Diesel-Electric Hybrid
Articulated test bus have hit the streets of Winnipeg," said Mayor Sam
Katz. "Once testing has been proven successful, Winnipeggers are going to
see 20 of these environmentally friendly units as early as Spring 2009. As
a component of the Transit Improvement Program, the hybrid articulated
buses will bring the City of Winnipeg significantly closer to achieving
our goal to provide Winnipeggers with faster, more comfortable rides and
highlight Winnipeg as a showcase of modern transit."While
continuing with its other transit enhancement projects, Winnipeg Transit
has acquired this 60 foot test bus from New Flyer to complete its winter
testing. Articulated buses, sometimes referred to as tandem buses or
accordion buses, are fitted near the midpoint of the bus with an axle
(extra set of wheels) and a joint, which allows it to have a turning
radius similar to the standard 40 foot bus. These vehicles offer increased
passenger capacity - up to 115 passengers or about 50% more than a regular
bus - making them ideal for routes with high ridership. The rider's
experience is also improved as these buses are quieter, offer more seats
and are air conditioned. Outfitted with diesel-electric hybrid
technology, the bus combines electric and diesel propulsion, maximizing
the advantages of each technology, under varying operating conditions.
Upon completion of a successful testing program by April of 2008, an order
of 20 of these units will be placed with an anticipated delivery date of
March 2009.The Government of Canada is providing $167.3 million to
Manitoba from 2005 to 2010 through the Gas Tax Agreement. As part of its
recently launched $33 billion "Building Canada" infrastructure plan, the
Government of Canada extended Gas Tax funding by an additional $2 billion
per year nationally, from 2011 to 2014. Gas Tax funding is available to
local governments for projects that contribute to environmental
sustainability, and in particular, infrastructure projects that lead to
cleaner air, cleaner water or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Gas Tax Fund is administered in Manitoba by the Province of Manitoba.
The Government of Canada has also provided $32.6 million to Manitoba
through the Public Transit Capital Trust for public transit projects that
increase capacity, reduce congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on Building Canada, please visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Graham GorkCommunications CoordinatorProvince of
Manitoba204-945-5795
Carmen BarnettPress Secretary Mayor's Office City of
Winnipeg204-986-5569
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148