The City of Windsor has responded to claims made by its transit union about the possibility of buses being out of service this winter.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 616, which represents Transit Windsor employees, had raised issues about the ability to maintain and service the fleet.
In a statement, the City defended its investment in transit infrastructure.
"The City of Windsor refutes the claims made by the Amalgamated Transit Union," read the statement issued Tuesday afternoon. "The City has made continued investments in the maintenance facilities at Transit Windsor, including new state-of-the-art mobile hoists and associated lifting devices. These new lifting devices have resulted in improved efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, and have moved Transit Windsor away from reliance on outdated technology to meet the current industry standard of mobile lifts."
The City's statement added that it is willing to listen and act on any issues.
The union reported that the majority of the hoists were out of service. The ATU had expressed concerns that any shortage of functioning buses may result in riders being left out in the cold.
The ATU represents about 300 Transit Windsor employees, who drive and maintain the 117-bus fleet.
Working conditions were one of the issues raised in contract talks earlier this year. The ATU and the City agreed on a three-year contract in mid-February.
