All-electric transit system could be on the way for Winnipeg

Transit users could soon find themselves humming along through the city on cleaner, quieter buses.

The cityand the province have assembled a joint task force to investigate the viability of an electric transit system in Winnipeg. Representatives with Manitoba Hydro, bus manufacturer New Flyer and Red River College are also involved.

"Manitoba is already a worldwide leader in clean bus technology," ManitobaPremier GregSelinger said in a statement."This will allow us to take the next steps in creating good green jobs and a clean environment."

The announcement comes about 20 monthsafter the first electric bus in half a century was put in service in Winnipeg.

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Over the next four months, the group will take a look at what would need to happen to convert an existing framework of 618 busesto an all-electric transit system.

"It will allow us to critically examine the feasibility of transitioning more of Winnipeg's transit fleet to electric models, and whether the technology is in place to meet the service needs of our city," Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said in a statement.

The report is expected in the spring 2016.