BC Transit has started construction on upgrades to the UVic Transit Exchange near the campus bookstore. The project was announced last year in partnership with the Federal Government, the Province and UVic. Construction is scheduled to be completed before the Fall 2022 semester begins.
The upgrade project will rehabilitate the north side of the existing UVic Exchange and bus stops along Ring Road, including refurbishment and enhancement of nine bus bays, six bus shelters and two layover bays. As part of the project, the surrounding pedestrian environment, including signage and wayfinding, will be improved along with the addition of new bicycle storage shelters.
UVic is the second-largest transit destination in Greater Victoria, with many core transit routes terminating there. Over 17,000 transit trips are made to and from the university each day, more than 25 per cent of all trips. Future transit use at UVic could be considerably higher, depending on how much and how quickly the university population grows. BC Transit recognizes the potential for ridership growth, and plans to serve UVic with a combination of rapid transit and frequent bus services.
Additional highlights of the project include the following key upgrades to the transit exchange area:
-
Replacement of the existing bus shelters that are at end of life with current BC Transit designs
-
Upgraded lighting, signage and landscaping, including paved walkways on pedestrian desire lines
-
Replacement and repair of concrete bus pads and asphalt
-
Improve pedestrian movement and circulation near the UVic bookstore stairs
-
Realign crosswalk locations to improve sight lines for bus operators and pedestrians and reduce crossing times
University of Victoria students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents of the area, will benefit from better access to public transit, higher quality pathways, and increased access to active transportation infrastructure in the Oak Bay and Saanich areas. During construction, the exchange will be closed and transit customers should look for temporary bus stop signage to help direct them to their temporary stop.
As part of the work to improve the pedestrian pathways and the alignment of the transit exchange island, nine trees are being removed. Three of these trees are bylaw protected trees, meaning BC Transit received a permit from the District of Saanich to remove them and will replace them at a 3:1 ratio. The other six trees are being replaced at a 1:1 ratio, making a total of number of 15 trees being planted. Six of these new trees will be replaced at the transit exchange and the others will be planted around the UVic campus. During construction, the exchange will be closed and transit customers should look for temporary bus stop signage to help direct them to their temporary stop.
The Government of Canada is investing just under $1.8 million in this project and the Government of British Columbia is providing over $1.7 million. The University of Victoria and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission are contributing a combined total of over $1 million.
QUOTES:
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“The UVic Transit Exchange rehabilitation will improve users’ comfort and safety, and enhance the immediate surroundings for the benefit of the University of Victoria community and area residents. With provincial and municipal partners, our Government invests in public transit to support efficient, sustainable, and eco-responsible transportation and to improve connections between people and communities.”
Rob Fleming, Minster of Transportation and Infrastructure
“As a former UVic student, I know first-hand the importance of having a network of efficient transit routes to and from the university. This new exchange will improve service and accessibility and ensure students have affordable, convenient, low-carbon transportation options as they pursue their studies to contribute to a better B.C. and a better world.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
“These transit exchange upgrades will enhance the customer experience for riders travelling to and from UVic, which is one of the busiest transit hubs in the Victoria region. Having convenient and easily accessible transit exchanges is important to foster communities and neighbourhoods where people can live, work and play without completely relying on vehicles.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission
“UVic is the second largest transit destination in the Victoria Regional Transit System, and experiences peak transit service of 55 buses per hour, so these upgrades will serve a large number of people every day. The creation of a safer, more comfortable pedestrian experience by adding designated layover bays will provide well deserved new amenities for students, staff and local residents.”
Mike Wilson, director of the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability
“UVic is pleased to be partnering with BC Transit to upgrade the north side of our bus exchange to improve safety and access for the many students, staff and faculty who commute by bus to campus. These upgrades support UVic’s goals around sustainability and active transportation infrastructure, and we are looking forward to having the refreshed exchange open for next September.”
Media contact:
BC Transit Communications
250-880-1303 | Media@bctransit.com
University Communications + Marketing
250-721-7636 | uvicnews@uvic.ca
