Winnipeg Transit is looking for a new extra-long ride after its prototype "bendy bus" failed winter road tests.
Transit had been planning to buy 20 diesel-electric hybrid articulated buses at a cost of $27 million since February 2006, when the public utility unveiled a six-year, $142-million upgrade.
But the order will soon be cancelled because a prototype delivered by manufacturer New Flyer did not prove to be as energy-efficient as the city expected.
Now, Mayor Sam Katz wants Winnipeg Transit to find some form of new ride with far more seats than conventional low-floor buses.
"I like the idea of having longer buses that can move more people," Katz said Monday.
Although the mayor said he was disappointed Winnipeg's first articulated bus failed to be as green as transit officials had hoped, the utility is already looking at other forms of technology. And longer buses are still on top of the list.
The utility is also in the midst of purchasing 144 new conventional buses over the course of six years at a total cost of $65 million.
Articulated buses are used in several North American cities, including Ottawa, which is almost as cold as Winnipeg during the winter and usually endures much more snow.
But the model tested here during the past winter failed to save as much fuel as Winnipeg Transit expected, city spokeswoman Pam Sveinson said.
Greenhouse gas emissions also proved to be higher than expected, defeating the purpose of spending more city money on an energy-efficient vehicle.Winnipeg Transit plans to release more details about its bendy-bus road test before council breaks for the summer.
During the same time frame, Katz and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer plan to make a decision regarding how to spend a $17.9 million federal kitty earmarked for alternative transportation.
Katz said it is unlikely the city will funnel the $27 million earmarked for diesel-electric hybrids into a bus rapid transit system.
"If we don't get these type of buses, we still need more buses," he said, noting Winnipeg Transit has no choice but to upgrade its fleet.
bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca