The City of Prince Albert has filed a bus supplier for non -compliance with quality guarantees on the fleet of new buses acquired in 2019.
Legal action against Vicinity Motor aims to offset the purchase price of seven buses as well as additional replacement costs for the purchase of the new fleet.
The City of Prince Albert is also seeking compensation for the costs of repairs and temporary replacement buses, and is seeking damages to compensate for the disruption caused to the City and its residents.
According to Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, a year after seven buses retired due to frame cracks, a replacement fleet was promised in the contract. However, only three buses were delivered, and two of them had problems.
” There was a devastating effect for Prince Albert. Saskatchewan Insurance Corporation (SGI) is not sure that the buses can run. If buses don’t get around, we will find ourselves without public transport. “
These disruptions have led to the cancellation of many routes during the winter, Greg Dionne said.
We were disappointed with the delay. We were also surprised at the issues we had and at the level of services we received from them [Vicinity Motor]because it is a good companyHe added.
An important requirement that must be filled
Greg Dionne said that to meet the immediate need for buses in Prince Albert, the City has taken six buses from the local company First Bus Canada.
Three of these buses should be in service in the month of June, when the SGI will make a full inspection.
Currently, we have nine buses, three of which are Vicinity Motor. We only have seven routes. So that we can restore service to our residentsexplained Greg Dionne.
A serious lack of maintenance
The CEO of Vicinity MotorWilliam Trainer defends his company. According to him, there has been a serious shortage of maintenance of buses in Prince Albert, which will be revealed inspections made by many engineers.
The steel of the buses rusted causing structural damageHe added.
William Trainer suggests that Vicinity Motor delivered 143 buses to various customers in 2018: No one else has had the same problem.
He explained that there are maintenance schedules and procedures that must be followed to honor the guarantees. Services include washing and inspection.
They (the buses) have so much salt and dirt that each bus can fill four to five wheelbarrows with road debris.He added.
” The City of Prince Albert bears the brunt of this responsibility. “
Mayor Greg Dionne said the company’s arguments are weak and wants to leave the court the care of telling who is right and who is wrong.
With information from Pratyush Dayal
Source: Radio-Canada