KAMLOOPS — Transit riders in Kamloops can look forward to more comfort and quiet in the months ahead.
Kamloops council approved a new shipment of compressed natural gas-powered buses this week.
25 of the city’s 44 large transit buses already run on CNG, and this move will see the replacement of the remaining 19.
City of Kamloops Engineering Manager Deven Matkowski says the new fleet will be a big upgrade for both passengers and the city’s books.
“The buses themselves are not that much different than the diesel buses as far as seating,” said Matkowski. “The CNG buses run quieter, the engines run quieter, and the saving in fuel economy is a huge benefit.”
The 19 new buses are expected to begin appearing in Kamloops next July.
Matkowski says the cost will be split between the city and the province.
“The mechanism on how capital infrastructure like that (is funded) is basically through a lease fee. BC Transit does own the buses and they do own the bus garage but through a lease fee we share the costs.”
