Winnipeg gets BRT funding commitment

Three levels of government have pledged a total of $50 million to start up Winnipeg’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system later this year. By 2007, the city hopes to add new-era technology to its transit system, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and automated vehicle location (AVL) for scheduling and traffic monitoring purposes. Although the $17 million from each of three government levels will aid construction of the first six planned busways, it will not buy the BRT buses used on the routes. Officials are negotiating with New Flyer Industries to buy hybrid-electric coaches for up to $1 million apiece. Among the advantages of the BRT system will be added comfort for passengers like plush seating, bigger windows and wider aisles as well as reduced tailpipe emissions.