Transit forced to axe plans for new buses

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - The general manager of Saint John Transit says he'll make due with a $600,000 cut from his capital budget.

This week Common Council redirected the money into paving projects.

Frank McCarey says although he would rather keep the funds, he understands the process.

"When it's your particular service, you're anxious to maintain your fleet at a certain average age, and if the fleet starts to drift away from that age, there will be consequences, the same as if you don't pave streets eventually there will be consequences," McCarey says.

The loss of cash means transit will not purchase two new buses as planned.

McCarey says the goal is to buy three a year in order to replace aging vehicles.