B.C. Transit files $5M lawsuit claiming it received 206 leaky buses

B.C. Transit has filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court against Vicinity Motor (Bus) Corp., now bankrupt, claiming it received 206 defective low-floor buses that leaked extensively. The transit company alleges Vicinity breached its contract by failing to properly design or manufacture the buses to withstand the rainy conditions of British Columbia. Inspections revealed water leaks in at least 122 buses, caused by improperly sealed windows and doors, and inadequate drainage, leading to rotting plywood flooring.

B.C. Transit initially contracted with Vicinity in 2011, purchasing 15 buses and an additional 191 between 2016 and 2022. While Vicinity initially attempted repairs, the issue persisted and was later addressed by Big Rig Collision in Alberta. B.C. Transit alleges Vicinity was aware of the defects but concealed them and failed to provide adequate compensation.

The transit company is seeking over $3.4 million in costs and damages, plus $1.8 million for parts not provided by Vicinity as per the contract. Despite the issues, B.C. Transit states there is currently no impact to service, as approximately 190 Vicinity buses remain in operation across 28 communities in B.C., representing about 20% of its fleet.

(Source：Times Colonist)