Manitoba Transit Heritage Association - Winnipeg Transit History

MANITOBA TRANSIT HERITAGE ASSOCIATION

1956 Western Flyer Coach model T36-2L "Scenic Cruiser"

Originally purchased by Thiessen Bus Lines as #19 in 1956, this coach quickly joined the Grey Goose Bus Lines fleet as #20. This section operated in service on many Grey Goose short routes, but in particular on the Winnipeg-Stonewall run until 1969. The unit was sold to Melnick Bus Lines of Pinawa, Manitoba. It was restored in 1996 by New Flyer Industries and donated to the MTHA in 2009.

Historical Note: Flyer Industries Limited was a bus manufacturer based in Manitoba. It was founded by John Coval in 1930 as the Western Auto and Truck Body Works Ltd.—later changing its name in 1948 to Western Flyer Coach. Previously making intercity vehicles, it first entered the urban transit market in 1968 when it developed its first prototype urban transit bus. The company was acquired by the Manitoba Development Corporation, a provincial agency, in 1971, and changed its name to Flyer Industries Limited.

By 1985, the Manitoba government was looking to divest itself of Flyer Industries. It was anticipated that the manufacturer would have had to cease operation in the near future without a significant investment from the government. An agreement was reached with Den Oudsten Bussen BV of Holland on July 15, 1986. Flyer Industries changed its name to New Flyer Industries.