Metrobus service undergoing review

The City of St. John's is preparing a full review of its aging bus system, one of the oldest in the country.

Some of the vehicles in the Metrobus fleet have been in service since 1985.

Coun. Tom Hann, who chairs the St. John's Transportation Commission, said about 12 buses are needed immediately, and 26 vehicles will need to be pulled from service by 2016.

Each new bus, he noted, costs $450,000.

"In the mid-80s, the federal government came up with a plan to replace buses and we were fortunate enough to get enough funding [to buy] 15 buses in 1985," Hann told CBC News.

"Now they're coming to an end."

Hann said the review will also consider possible route expansions to communities neighbouring St. John's,  including to Paradise and Conception Bay South.