In recent years, Metrobus was plagued by two strikes in 2004 and 2010 respectively. The first of those strikes lasted roughly two weeks, and wages were the key issue in that dispute; while the introduction of a 50/50 cost-sharing health benefit system was the key issue in the 2010 dispute. The latter dispute lasted about three months, and was settled with a modest pay hike on January 27, 2011.
In 2006, Metrobus Transit upgraded its fare system to use a smart card system called the m-Card, which replaces tickets and monthly passes with a reloadable card and offers a points and rewards loyalty program.[3]
In 2012, Metrobus Transit acquired nine new fully accessible Nova LFS Smart Buses and plan to purchase twenty-one additional buses by 2017. The Smart Bus technology on these buses can improve fuel economy by up to 18% and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From the outside, the new buses look very similar to the other low-floor buses already in its fleet, however, are fully accessible and include a wheelchair ramp and other related equipment.[4] In 2017 St John's and the Federal government jointly funded 18 accessible replacement buses and 39 additional bus shelters.[5]
In 2018, Metrobus introduced three brand-new Grande West Vicinity 30 ft (9.1 m) buses, which are 10 ft shorter than the previous model purchased over the years to operate on smaller routes and offer a more fuel-efficient and quiet ride.[6]
Bus fleet
Metrobus Transit currently operates a fleet of 50 Nova LFS buses (0147-1630),
Nova Buses at the Avalon Mall.
3 Grande West Vicinity buses (1832-2134, 1831 was written off due to an accident and replaced with 2134),
1832; 2018 Grand West Vicinity Bus.
1 Chevrolet 4500 Arboc Spirit of freedom (Community Bus).
Routes
Metrobus operates most routes year-round, with the exception of Routes 13, 24 and 26 not operating during the summer (late June - September) schedules. Primary and base routes usually operate at a 30-minute frequency on weekdays, with 60-minute frequency during the evenings and on weekends. Routes 1, 2, 3 and 10 operate at a 15-minute frequency during peak periods at between key points.
Route 28, also known as the Community Bus, is an accessible door to door route that connects select senior apartment complexes in the St. John's area with major shopping attractions.[7]
Route 30 entered service on June 27, 2016, during the Metrobus summer schedule's period of operation, serving 55 new bus stops within the Town of Paradise.
Metrobus also offers an accessible door to door on demand service called GoBus which its operations is currently contracted out to MV Transportation.
