Dave Meier rides the bus twice a day, reducing his carbon footprint.
"You're not sitting in traffic idling all that time away, you take the bus, sit back and relax," said Meier.
In an effort to be even greener, Meier says he'd like to see his ride go electric.
"Pollution eh, you know we're all trying to move away from diesel to electric to try and be greener and friendlier," said Meier.
Winnipeg's transit union is sparking a conversation with a plan to start achieving that goal.
The Amalgamated Transit Union wants the province to loan the city $7 million, interest free, to replace 20 diesel buses with electric ones. With an estimated operational saving of $62,000 a year per bus, the union says the loan could be paid back in six years.
"It's a pay as you save project," said ATU President Aleem Chaudhrey.
After that, the ATU says the annual savings could be used to lower fares, increase security and improve service.
NDP MLA Rob Altemeyer was alongside the union for the announcement. He says the province could front the loan with carbon tax money.
"It could be a win for the province, a win for the city and most importantly a win for everyone who provides transit services," said Altemeyer.
The Pallister government says it supports the electrification of transit. Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires calls the plan interesting.
"I'm certainly looking at the proposal in great detail. There are a couple of initiatives underway that we're looking at and I'm exploring all the options," said Squires.
Winnipeg Transit warns there are extra costs that come along with this. It says charging stations and maintenance facilities would be required.
Dave Meier just wants all levels of government to figure it out.
"Let's give it a try, what do we have to lose," said Meier.
