Winnipeg Transit has cut down its bus backlog, with just 65 buses remaining out of service, and 24 of those requiring work on a persistent emission control issue, as of Tuesday.

That's down from a peak of 109 buses awaiting repairs when bus service levels were cut on nearly 20 rush-hour routes in September.

But while transit director Dave Wardrop is "hopeful" the repairs will translate to restored service levels soon, he warns a proposed fix on the engine problem must be tested over the long term.

"I think there's been good progress," said Wardrop. "There's reason to be hopeful that we've got a resolution here."

Wardrop noted the city has also managed to increase its bus fleet to 610 (up from 595 in September), through new bus orders and the delayed retirement of older vehicles. Transit is also exploring the purchase of used buses from other municipalities to bulk up its fleet.