NANAIMO – On May 23, 2012 BC Transit will donate a bus to Vancouver
Island University’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program.
The 1988 MCI Classic went into service at BC Transit on January 1st, 1989.
On May 23rd, 2012 it retires.
BC Transit bus #8928 is road worthy but at the end of an extraordinary service
life. It spent most of its 23 years on the road in Victoria, putting in 15 to
18 hour work days. In its golden years, the 40 foot bus became part of BC Transit’s
contingency fleet – a province-wide fleet that provides temporary service
in all of the 81 BC Transit systems. The bus has travelled more than 1.2 million
kilometres. That’s the equivalent of traveling to the moon and back and
to the moon again.
Most BC Transit buses are sent to the shredder at the end of their life. But
bus #8928 has a higher purpose in a higher learning institution, Vancouver Island
University, where it will be a vital learning tool for those students who want
to pursue a career as a commercial transportation mechanic.
“The faculty at VIU are extremely pleased to receive this donation from
such an important community partner in the transportation industry,” said
Fred MacDonald, Dean of Trades & Applied Technology at VIU. “This gives
us the opportunity to provide a richer, more meaningful learning experience
for our students.”
“We are always looking for opportunities to promote our industry,”
said Manuel Achadinha, President & CEO of BC Transit. “We are proud
to partner with Vancouver Island University and their commercial transport mechanics
program, which is critical for producing skilled individuals to compliment the
industry.”
“Safety is the number one priority at BC Transit and that can only be
achieved with a dedicated maintenance team,” said Manuel Achadinha President
& CEO of BC Transit. “We hope student mechanics at VIU will find working
on our bus a rewarding challenge.”
Media invite highlights: VIU lower campus, Building 110 on Wakesiah Avenue
Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics
May 23, 2012 at 11 am
For more information please contact:
Meribeth Burton
BC Transit Corporate Spokesperson
250.995.5720
Meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
