Ituna’s only transit bus in disrepair, puts transit service in jeopardy

The Town of Ituna's transit van is in need of repairs or replacement, leading to concerns for residents. (Facebook: Town of Ituna)

Ituna’s community transit bus might shut down indefinitely due to the current state of disrepair.

“The current transit bus has recently been found to require unexpected and extensive repairs due to rust,” said the Town of Ituna in a news release on Tuesday.

The bus is scheduled to undergo a safety inspection in late January, and residents fear that they may find themselves without public transportation soon.

According to Hector Roy, the vehicle’s primary driver, the transit van underwent repairs in the second half of 2025, but it wasn’t completely repaired.

“The bodywork was put aside, it wasn’t done. [Rust] was only on the left side, now it has moved to both sides. The floor under the driver’s seat is rusted out. There are crossmembers that are going through.”

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He worries that the bus won’t pass the safety inspection and it would leave his passengers stranded.

In its news release, the Town said it has received a recommendation for a bus replacement but it hasn’t made a final decision yet.

“Council has a responsibility to carefully evaluate both the condition of the bus and the long-term sustainability of providing this service.”

One aspect to consider is whether Ituna should purchase a new or used vehicle.

“While some funds are available, purchasing a new bus would require accessing grant funding. Grant approval is required before a new bus can be ordered, and this process takes time,” the news release explained.

Cory Dietz lives on the outer edge of town and has a troubled knee; he too, relies on the small white van. He’s worried that an extended waiting period would leave him without access to services, such as the post office, which is located multiple blocks away from his home.

“The town’s got the money to get another bus. I know they do,” said Dietz. “So let’s get on with it. I need a bus, I need transportation.”

Both residents CTV News spoke to said they only care about access, not the age of the replacement vehicle.

Dietz said he’s ready for some desperate measures if the transit line shuts down.

“I’m going to move because if the town doesn’t have a bus, what’s the sense of living here? I don’t have a license, I don’t have a car. [The bus] is my only transportation.”

A quote attributed to Rene Dubreuil, Ituna’s mayor, said the town’s council keeps residents in mind.

“Our goal is to make a thoughtful, responsible decision in the best interest of the community.”

The mayor declined to provide further details.