Seven new buses proposed for Sarnia Transit fleet upgrade

Sarnia City Council will consider approving the purchase of seven new transit buses as part of its March 9, 2026 meeting, with the goal of replacing older vehicles and maintaining […]

Sarnia City Council will consider approving the purchase of seven new transit buses as part of its March 9, 2026 meeting, with the goal of replacing older vehicles and maintaining reliable service for riders.

A staff report recommends the city buy five smaller six-metre buses and two larger eight-metre buses through an existing purchasing agreement coordinated by Metrolinx, Ontario’s regional transportation agency.

The total cost of the buses is projected to be $2 million. Most of that funding would come from federal and provincial infrastructure grants through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The City of Sarnia’s share would be $533,400, or roughly 27 per cent of the total cost.

City staff say new buses are needed because several vehicles in the current fleet are past their expected retirement dates. Keeping older buses on the road has become increasingly expensive and time-consuming, with replacement parts sometimes difficult to obtain. Officials warn that a shortage of available buses could lead to service delays for passengers and higher maintenance costs.

The proposed buses would run on gasoline. Staff note they are continuing to explore electric bus options and are monitoring potential future grant funding that could support a transition to zero-emission vehicles.

If approved, the purchase would form part of the city’s long-term transit fleet replacement plan, which is structured over a 10-year timeline within the municipal capital budget.

The recommendation will be debated at the March 9 council meeting.