Kamloops – The delivery of 19 New Flyer buses this winter means that the City of Kamloops will boast a fully Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered conventional fleet. CNG-fuelled buses reduce operating costs for BC Transit and for Kamloops as the fuel is less expensive and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional transit vehicles.
The new buses are part of the almost $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June 2016, together with Premier Christy Clark and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Through developing greener operations with the adoption of best in class technology, BC Transit is demonstrating a commitment not only to environmental stewardship, but also to supporting meaningful, family-supporting jobs for British Columbians in the renewable energy sector,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I am immensely proud of the benefits this brings for all British Columbians, including right here in Kamloops.”
“Strong public transit is an important part of creating healthy, vibrant communities by providing convenient transportation options for those living, working and visiting Kamloops,” said Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “These new CNG buses go even further with technology that reduces GHG emissions and will mean even cleaner air for our community.”
The benefits of CNG technology are environmental and economic. According to FortisBC, using CNG reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 15 to 25 per cent, and it also costs 25 to 50 per cent less than traditional diesel fuel. Production of clean burning CNG also supports British Columbians across the province, providing meaningful employment in both rural and urban communities. The buses are fueled at a station built and maintained by Clean Energy Fuels.
“These additional 19 CNG buses will build off the success of the first 25, making Kamloops our second fully CNG fleet,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “We look forward to introducing CNG technology to more communities across the province.”
The first 25 CNG buses arrived in Kamloops in 2014/2015, and in that time have resulted in a six per cent decrease in operating costs per trip and an eight per cent operating cost recovery increase in 2015/2016. The buses have also proved very reliable, clocking an average of 63,000 kilometres each in their first year of service.
The successful CNG rollout in both Kamloops and Nanaimo sets an example for the rest of the province and country, demonstrating how best in class technology can be used to deliver dependable transportation solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
“Connecting Kamloops in the greenest and most affordable way possible has been a consistent priority on my agenda for the city,” said Peter Milobar, City of Kamloops Mayor. “With this landmark CNG announcement, this goal is being concretely realized and I couldn’t be happier or more proud for our city.”
The 19 new CNG-powered buses are being delivered to Kamloops throughout the spring of 2017.
Each of the XN40 Xcelsior New Flyer buses can carry up to 81 passengers. The purchase of the 19 new vehicles represents an investment of $12 million in the Kamloops Transit System. To help offset the initial costs associated with the purchase of the new CNG buses, FortisBC will provide funding of up to $378,000. This funding represents 40 per cent of the cost differential of CNG buses over diesel counterparts.
“BC Transit is a Canadian leader in the adoption of lower-carbon, lower-impact natural gas in its bus fleet,” said Sarah Smith, FortisBC director, natural gas for transportation. “Completing its Kamloops fleet with compressed natural gas is another step this organization is taking in making a positive change for its customers, the public, our environment and B.C.’s economy.”
Each of the 19 buses is also equipped with closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras, making Kamloops the second fully CCTV-equipped BC Transit community. Video cameras improve the security of both passengers and drivers, and the expansion of this technology builds on previous successes in the Regional District of Nanaimo, Kelowna and Victoria. Kamloops is the second BC Transit community to have the entire fleet CCTV camera equipped.
The addition of CCTV cameras takes place alongside two additional enhancements that will pave the way for a better customer experience:
• Real Time capability that will utilize automatic vehicle locators, allowing passengers to know exactly when their bus will arrive.
• Automatic passenger counters, which enable BC Transit to optimize service delivery based on precise and timely ridership data.
The new buses also follow the addition of 2,000 hours for handyDART services that were implemented in September 2016, and will support the addition of 3,000 hours of service in the conventional fleet starting in September 2017.
For more Kamloops transit information, please call 250-376-1216. You can also visit us online at bctransit.com/Kamloops.
Media Contact:
Jonathon Dyck, BC Transit, Communications Manager
Media@bctransit.com, 250-995-5720
