The very first Manitoba-made electric transit bus was unveiled Friday morning at the Legislative Building.

The vehicle, which runs on electricity rather than diesel fuel, was built by New Flyer through collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Manitoba Hydro and Red
River College.

Premier Greg Selinger said that electric buses represent the future of rapid transit throughout North America, and that Manitoba is taking a lead role in the new technology.

“What we are doing today is forging the future of public transportation right here in Manitoba,” said Selinger. “An electric bus offers must a much smaller carbon foot print
and really no emissions.

“With more and more people living in urban areas, public transportation will be a key to a high quality urban lifestyle.”

The bus will be used as a shuttle for Manitoba Hydro sometime in 2013 and from there New Flyer hopes to sell the electric bus to cities throughout North America.

Chris Stodart, vice president of engineering for New Flyer, said the bus needs another year of testing before it can hit the street but they will eventually look to sell it.

“We’ll be negotiating with our entire customer base,” said Stottart. “The intent is commercialization.”

The prototype bus cost about $1.5 million.