Winnipeg city council will ask Metro not to phase out any more trolley buses — all in the interest of combating air pollution.

Council was unanimous Monday in agreeing to urge Metro not to replace any more trolley buses with diesels until the Manitoba Clean Environment Commisssion prepares a report on pollution for the provincial government.

Council is hopeful the commission will recommend doing something about "diesel buses which contribute materially to air pollution" in the words of a recent civic health and welfare committee report.

The Toronto Transit Commission's recent award to Fort Garry's Western Flyer Coach Ltd. of a $5,200,000 contract to rebuild TTC trolley buses, drew considerable comment from aldermen at the Monday council meeting.

Alderman Magnus Eliason said this contract award shoots down Metro Transit administrators' arguments that trolley buses must be replaced by diesels because trolley buses are no longer being manufactured.

"This is another one of the many misleading statements we have been given about this . . . One Metro official claims trolley buses can't be repaired inspite of a $5,000,000 contract right under his now," Mr. Eliason added.

While supporting the motion asking Metro council to stop trolley bus phase outs, Mr Eliason commented "I suspect it will just end up in a Metro wastepaper basket."

Mayor Stephen Juba said he was surprised to hear Metro say it must phase out trolley buses "and then turn around and sell some of the buses. I think it was for $1,000 each to the city of Edmonton. Then Metro replaces them with $25,000 buses."

Alderman Ernest Brotman said he greatly regretted the passing of the trolley bus from the local scene.

"You certainly don't get any poisonous fumes if you stop behind them."