For an extraordinary multi-team effort in supporting communities during historic flooding and a dynamic campaign to celebrate transit workers throughout the province, BC Transit has been recognized with two prestigious awards by the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA).
“These awards are great recognition for BC Transit’s extraordinary response to last year’s devastating atmospheric river event,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s a reminder of the dedication and professionalism of BC Transit’s team, and how they step up when the community is in need. It is fitting that one of the awards is in connection with Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, an opportunity for the community to say thanks.”
For more than 100 years, CUTA has been Canada’s national voice for public transit and urban mobility. Their organization connects public transit agencies across the country, advocates for investment and support from governments, and is the leading transportation data collection body in the field. CUTA Awards are handed out as part of their Annual Conference and Transit Show, this year held in Montreal from October 26-29.
“BC Transit and our local partners pride ourselves on going above and beyond for the communities we serve, and there’s no better example than the way our teams stepped up during the devastating flooding in 2021,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “And the #ThanksTransit campaign this spring was a great way to show all our drivers and transit workers across the province how appreciated they are.”
This year, awards were presented to 9 individuals and 11 organizations, and BC Transit was presented with two honours.
Safety and Security – Emergency Response and Flood Evacuations
In November 2021, most of British Columbia was hit with three major storm events that led to mass flooding, highway closures, entire communities being evacuated and devastating impacts for individuals and businesses. During this period, BC Transit and our partners supported the evacuation of more than 1,100 people from the most endangered communities like Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton. All while the transit employees in these areas were managing their own personal challenges.
Marketing and Communications – Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day
In March 2022, BC Transit once again asked riders to join us in showing appreciation for the people who make it possible for many British Columbians to move throughout their communities and beyond with Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day. This year’s campaign included the launch of a new engagement page where riders could share their stories. Two videos were produced, with one focused on the pivotal role handyDART services provide for customers, and the other telling the story of how our team helped find a young missing girl in Victoria.
Quick Facts:
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BC Transit is named under the Emergency Program Act as the agency responsible for coordinating requirements for public transportation, including school and privately owned buses.
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Pre-pandemic, BC Transit typically provided service to roughly 57 million annual riders in over 130 cities, districts and towns across the province, in partnership with local governments.
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The Crown Corporation has a fleet of more than 1,100 buses, ranging from double deckers down to light duty community buses.
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There are more than 2,800 employees combined working for BC Transit and our operating companies across B.C.
To learn more about the Canadian Urban Transit Association and their annual CUTA Awards, go to: https://cutaactu.ca/
Media contact
BC Transit Communications
250-880-1303
media@bctransit.com
