In a bold move, York Region fired First Transit, and effectively ended the jobs of dozens of striking transit drivers. Speculation is now swirling over who will take over the contract. Last November, it appeared the Region was considering a much cheaper, horse & buggy transit scheme, however, YRN has just learned that Toronto-area Shriners have agreed to provide emergency transit service for the duration of the strike.  As you can see from the following training video, the Shriners are quite serious about helping out:

While there is currently no formal contract between the Region and the Shriners, sources tell us the group would keep 50% of all fare money collected.

A number of Vaughan councillors were particularly excited to learn that Shriners would be carrying passengers around the Region.

“Maybe they’ll donate some of the profits to help build the Vaughan hospital!” said one. “I just love those little cars”, he added.

Indeed.