Improvements to increase operational capacity at BC Transit’s Hardy Street Facility are progressing to the next stage with work to advance electric bus infrastructure, expand bus parking, and improve maintenance capacity underway.
The Hardy Street Facility is where BC Transit buses are stored, maintained, fueled, cleaned and prepared to deliver safe and reliable service for daily service in the Kelowna Regional Transit System. The overall upgrade project enhances functional areas of the facility and replaces aging components to extend the operational life of the building.
Twenty-two Electric buses are expected to join the Kelowna Regional Transit System in 2026. The electric buses will be quieter and more energy efficient with each electric bus saving about one tanker truck of diesel fuel per year, or about 550 fill-ups for a mid-size car. Preparations to support electric buses are underway and include:
- 32 electric charging stations and new electrical service;
- Expanded building space for storing electric buses and charger parts;
- Additional maintenance space, including a parts mezzanine: and
- Installation of a gantry crane and roof access platform to help maintain battery electric buses.
The series of facility upgrades also supports the continued demand for transit in the region. The overall project enhances functional areas of the facility and replaces aging components to extend the operational life of the building. Work includes:
- Expanded bus parking to hold up to 130 buses;
- Larger parts and storage area;
- Updated lighting, doors, ventilation, safety, and security systems;
- New changing rooms and lunchroom for maintenance staff; and a
- New bus wash system (completed earlier this year).
The project is expected to complete by Summer 2026 and is being cost shared by the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia and local government partners.
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
