There’s some new wheels rolling through town.
B.C. Transit unveiled two new Grande West Vicinity buses Friday — the first of 10 replacement vehicles to be added to the fleet in Vernon and Coldstream.
“I can’t wait to see them on the road,” said Akbal Mund, Vernon’s mayor.
The 30-foot buses replace the current models, which were commissioned in 1999.
“People will enjoy them because they’re new, fresh and shiny,” said Denny Byrne, B.C. Transit director of fleet management.
There are seats for 24 passengers and 20 people to stand, as well as space for two mobility aids.
And unlike the current buses, there are two doors in the new vehicles.
“It will make loading and unloading more efficient and quick,” said Byrne.
Closed-circuit security cameras have also been installed.
Each bus costs $316,543 and the service is a partnership of Vernon, Coldstream and B.C. Transit.
“The new buses may encourage more people to give a thought to using transit,” said Pat Cochrane, a Coldstream councillor.