The LFS Transit was the second of the HSR’s low-floor bus models. Built in 1998, the HSR's LFS Transit had a unique paint scheme, with the lower portion of the bus painted light gray, instead of the usual white with yellow and blue striping. This was actually a design feature, and not a choice by the HSR. These gray panels were intended by Nova to be easily replaceable in the event of wear or damage, and to reduce costs by Nova the panels were available in only one colour: gray.
HSR #9718 was retired in 2006 after a fire. The LFS buses suffered from a number of mechanical problems, resulting in the decision being made to retire the fleet rather than having them rebuilt. The last LFS buses were retired on July 2, 2010. After retirement several were bought by MTB Truck and Bus Collision, for refurbishing and later resale to other transit companies.
| HSR Number | New Owner & Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9703 | Stratford Transit 9764 | Purchased May 2011, retired Feb 17 2023 (At retirement was oldest transit bus operating in regular service in Ontario) |
| 9705 | Stratford Transit 9765 | Purchased May 2011, retired Feb 2021 |
| 9708 | Stratford Transit 9766 | Purchased May 2011, retired |
| 9712 | Stratford Transit 9767 | Purchased May 2011, retired |
| 9714 | Guelph Transit #236 | Purchased Dec 2012, retired Dec 2016 |
| 9717 | Guelph Transit #225/229 | Purchased July 2011, renumbered Sept 2011, retired Sept 2016 |
| 9719 | Stratford Transit 9768 | Purchased May 2011, retired 2018 |
In 2015 the HSR purchased a sister model to the LFS Transit, the LFS Natural Gas.
(All photos © Tom Luton, except where noted)
HSR #9701 in the centre of Westdale, July 21, 2004
HSR #9702 & #8810 at McMaster University, April 16, 2004
HSR #9709 waits to turn at Stirling, Oct 24, 2001
HSR #9709 with the rear wheelchair ramp in use, at McMaster University, Oct 25, 2001
HSR #9709 at McMaster University, April 23, 2002
HSR #9713 at Gore Park, Nov 23, 2001
HSR #9713 at James & Main, November 13 2009.
HSR #9716 At Main St West and Osler, April 16, 2004
A pair of HSR LFS meet at McMaster University, Oct 25, 2001
Look for YouTube videos on HSR LFSs here (External Link).
