They cost about $400,000 plus taxes and are equipped with a GPS system that will help the city assess the efficiency of existing transit routes and eventually enable bus riders to track them buses around the city in real time “The arrival of these new buses will enhance transit service and encourage Thompson residents to choose a greener and more efficient way to commute,” said federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal in a May 7 news release, while provincial Central Services Minister Reg Helwer said Manitoba was pleased to support public transit in Thompson by helping pay for the new buses. “Improvements to our transit system have been a long time coming,” said Mayor Colleen Smook. “Public transit that works well is an important part of an accessible and inclusive city.”