Transit Windsor Board of Directors' Chair and City of Windsor Ward 2 Councillor Caroline Postma, with Essex MP Jeff Watson, and Windsor West MPP Sandra Pupatello, are pleased to announce the unveiling of new fully accessible hybrid transit buses for the Transit Windsor fleet.

The 18 diesel-electric hybrid buses are the first alternative fuel buses for the City of Windsor's transit system, highlighting its focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG), reducing particulate matter emissions and improving fuel economy.

The purchase of the new hybrid buses was made possible through partnership funding from all levels of government.  The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM's) Green Municipal Fund is contributing $2.4 million through grants and loans, while the Government of Ontario is contributing over $7.2 million in funding to the City through the Ontario Bus Replacement Program (OBRP) and Gas Tax Program.   Additionally, the City of Windsor has contributed $1.8 million for the purchase of these alternative fuel vehicles.

"Our government is here today to give a significant boost to Windsor Transit - and to help green our community," said Sandra Pupatello, Windsor West MPP. "These new hybrid buses will improve transit services for residents and commuters, providing a cleaner, greener option for Windsor."

"Our Government is investing in projects that will create jobs and stimulate the economy by funding projects that will build a cleaner and healthier environment through the Green Municipal Fund," said Jeff Watson, MP for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources.  "Today's announcement is another example of how our Government - in partnership with FCM - is helping Windsor build a greener future for our citizens."

"FCM's Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments," said Windsor City Councillor and FCM board member Percy Hatfield, representing FCM's Green Municipal Fund.  "The financing and knowledge provided by the Fund supports the development of communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable."

The unveiling of the hybrid buses was staged to coincide with the annual summer schedule change.  After the official unveiling, the hybrid buses will go into service as older buses arrive at the downtown transit terminal.  Passengers riding on one of the older model buses will pull into the terminal on an old bus and will transfer to a brand new hybrid bus to continue along the route.