Gatineau is one step closer to implementing a new transit plan for the city.

City officials awarded a $3 million contract to Pomerleau Construction to manage Gatineau's rapid transit project.

The $195-million Rapibus transit system will run along a 17-kilometre corridor of existing railway right-of-way which will be designated exclusively for buses.

Construction on the project is expected to start next year to be completed by 2010.