Federal gas tax to fund new Vancouver buses

The Metro Vancouver transit system is getting new buses and Skytrain cars thanks to an injection of funds from the federal gas tax.

Ottawa is providing $186.4 million for the transit expansion over the next two years.

The money will allow the purchase of 146 conventional buses, 34 articulated trolley buses, 23 community shuttle buses, 55 HandyDART buses and 38 new SkyTrain cars.

The money will also help pay for a third SeaBus to link North Vancouver with Vancouver across Burrard Inlet.

International Trade Minister Stockwell Day says the new vehicles, which include hybrid buses, will be good for the environment, create jobs and help boost the economy.

With files from The Canadian Press