WHISTLER – Four new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses are coming to BC Transit’s Whistler fleet. Two of the new additions are expansion buses and two replace others in the fleet, bringing the total number of buses in the Whistler Transit System to 31.
Each of the 40-foot XN40 Xcelsior New Flyer buses can carry 35 seated passengers and 46 standing passengers. The purchase of these four new vehicles represents an investment of $2.8 million for the Whistler Transit System. Funding is through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), where eligible costs are shared for infrastructure investments between the Government of Canada, the Province of BC and the local government–in this case the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Each new bus is also equipped with a full driver door, a protective door placed on the exterior of the operator seat to protect our operators from physical confrontations. The doors, made up of a metal base and tempered glass window will be implemented throughout BC Transit’s entire fleet. The concept of the full driver door is in place in many transit systems across North America.
The benefits of CNG technology are both environmental and economic, with notable reductions in tailpipe emissions and operational costs. Natural gas for BC Transit’s CNG fleets is supplied by FortisBC. CNG fueling stations are built and maintained by Clean Energy. Transit systems in Whistler, Nanaimo and Kamloops currently operate on CNG with the Victoria Regional Transit System implementing the technology in 2020.
For more information, please visit bctransit.com.
Quotes:
Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Our government’s priorities are to improve the lives of Canadians, strengthen our economy, and build a low carbon future for our communities. The addition of four new CNG buses to BC Transit’s fleet in Whistler will help reduce harmful emissions and strengthen transit services to keep people mobile and connected. In collaboration with our regional partners, we are helping communities make positive changes to support prosperity now and improve the environment for our children and grandchildren.”
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Claire Trevena
“Getting more CNG buses on our roads is important, as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help us meet the challenge of climate change. Equipping these new buses with driver side doors will also ensure that our drivers in Whistler have the protection and safe work environment they deserve.”
Mayor Jack Crompton, Resort Municipality of Whistler
“Getting cars off the road and people onto transit is a key focus of our Community Energy and Climate Action Plan. Four more buses in Whistler will help provide a level of service that gets people where they need to go as efficiently as possible, making transit a viable choice in our community.”
Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer
“Adding more CNG buses into our transit systems supports our transition toward a zero emission fleet by 2040. We look forward to continuing to deliver dependable, sustainable transportation solutions for the residents and visitors of the Resort Municipality of Whistler.”
