BC Transit announced the completion of their new maintenance training centre located at the BC Transit yard in Victoria today. BC Transit received more than $7 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments, and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission to renovate a former tire storage area into a modern maintenance training facility at the Victoria Transit Centre.
The new training centre is a purpose-built facility designed to support the BC Transit maintenance team with hands-on learning environments and modern training tools. As the BC Transit fleet evolves with the introduction of battery electric buses (BEBs), specialized training that goes beyond traditional practices is required and this facility will ensure BC Transit’s existing fleet and future electrified fleet can be maintained by employees.
The new facility accommodates a single battery electric, compressed natural gas or diesel bus, or double decker bus and other training aides that provide for hands on training activities.
Additional features of the new training centre include:
- A raised platform to enable easy access to components mounted on the roof of a bus
- A classroom equipped with computers, wall mounted TV and whiteboard to provide courses for classes of up to 12 employees
- A dedicated instructional space for hands-on component work
- Separated bay space for bus repair instruction
- Mobile hoists
- A crane to remove batteries from the roof of the BEB fleet
- An office to accommodate two training program instructors
- A work bench and tool storage
Accessibility is a benchmark for the new facility and is designed and built to comply with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC). The training centre will include an elevator for classroom accessibility, accessible signage, areas designed with adequate pathways, and other criteria included to meet the RHFAC requirements.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of having safe and effective transportation, and is proud to have supported this project that will provide employees with advanced training. This centre will ensure that current and future fleets will be maintained so British Columbians can remain connected to essential transit services and get where they need to go as safely and efficiently as possible.”
Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria
“This new training centre is an investment in people, skills, and the future of public transit in British Columbia. By modernizing training facilities and supporting hands on learning we’re ensuring transit workers have the tools they need to keep communities moving safely, reliably, and sustainably.”
Nina Krieger, MLA Victoria-Swan Lake
“This investment in a dedicated maintenance training centre demonstrates the Victoria Regional Transit Commission’s commitment to building skills, supporting employees, and preparing for the future of transit here in the Victoria region.”
Mayor Ryan Windsor, Chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission
“We’re proud to invest in our people and foster a culture that prioritizes safety, continuous training, and access to the tools and environment they need to grow and succeed. This new training centre will allow our employees to advance their skillset and knowledge as we move forward with modernizing and replacing our fleet.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit
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