During the second day of budget talks, Edmonton city councillors denied a request to boost road repair spending while backing the purchase of 25 new buses, keeping public transit at the centre of debate.

Coun. Ashley Salvador introduced the motion, with the $25.2-million cost to be funded through tax-supported debt over several years. The city’s fleet currently has 440 buses in need of replacement, and needs an additional 99 new buses to meet consumer demand.

“Public transit is one of the most powerful tools we have to provide residents with affordable transportation options,” said Salvador of her motion. “The success we’ve seen in ETS over the past four years is really incredible in terms of our ridership.”

Council passed the motion 8-5, with councillors Michael Elliott, Thu Parmar, Er

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