It's a changing of the guards for Victoria's iconic double-decker buses--the end of service for eight vintage double-deckers that have served the city for many years as part of Sightseeing Victoria's Hop-On-Off CitySights Tour.
The vehicles date back to the later 1950's and are being replaced by a fleet of fuel-efficient Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 buses.
John Wilson, head of Saanich-based Wilson's Transportation says it was time to retire the buses as they became harder to maintain and were no longer seen as environmentally viable.
"Certainly the newer ones are more comfortable for the clients and better for the city and the environment. So, the City of Victoria is onboard, and they are a part of our business in the downtown core, making sure we stick with their environmental guidelines and things like that."
Starting this Sunday, all tours will be using the new vehicles.
The old buses may still be used in parades and events, while some are available to collectors.