Sault Transit has begun rolling out brand-new passenger buses to replace its seriously aging fleet.
Seven of the new buses were on the streets Friday, including two parabuses, two community buses, and three longer vehicles.
The longer buses are made by Winnipeg-based New Flyer Industries Canada ULC.
The city has purchased six New Flyer Xcelsior Diesel 40-foot passenger buses, as well as four 35-foot low-floor buses.
They're the first New Flyer additions to a long-in-the-tooth fleet built by Nova Bus Inc. of Saint-Eustache, Que. and the now-defunct Orion Bus Industries of Mississauga.
"The remainder are currently just getting their required equipment installed and serviced in order to be put on the road," said Tessa Vecchio, the city's corporate communications advisor.
City officials have checked with other municipalities running New Flyer buses and found they're pleased with their purchases.
In all, Sault Transit is buying 22 new vehicles with help from the federal and provincial governments.
The new buses are all equipped with bike racks that will accommodate regular as well as fat-tire bikes.