SALT SPRING ISLAND – New ARBOC ‘Spirit of Mobility’ transit buses will soon be operating on Salt Spring Island.
The first two of four vehicles are planned to be delivered by the end of January, and two more new buses in February. Islanders may notice these new vehicles being tested on local roads; they will be put in regular service once transit operator training is complete. These four buses headed for Salt Spring Island are the first of 22 new ARBOC buses which will serve communities throughout B.C.
The ARBOC buses can accommodate three wheel chairs and 13 passengers, or 23 passengers.
The new buses replace vehicles in the provincial fleet which are at the end of their service life.
“The BC On The Move 10-year Transportation Plan made a commitment to partner with local communities throughout the province to replace half of BC Transit’s fleet over the next five years,” said the Honourable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These buses are just the start of an estimated 500 new BC Transit vehicles that will be rolling in BC communities, proof of our commitment to providing transit service that people can rely on.”
“These new buses will support the ongoing success of transit on Salt Spring Island,” said Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit. “We are proud to serve and partner with Salt Spring Island and other communities across the province to provide safe, effective and efficient transit services.”
“As Chair of the SSITC, and a regular bus rider, I am delighted our brand new buses will begin arriving several months ahead of schedule. This marks yet another major step forward for our awarding winning island transit system,” said Robin Williams, Chair of the Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission.
The 22 new ARBOC buses are in addition to six new International medium-duty buses delivered to communities in the BC Interior earlier this fall. The new International buses are 30-seat, high floor buses, with a flip-step for easier access, and room for up to four wheelchairs.
In addition, five new 40-foot NOVA buses have been serving the Victoria transit system since their delivery in Summer 2015.
For more BC Transit fleet information please visit Our Fleet page.
[Asset Included(Id:1403645584262;Type:Image_C)]
Manufacturer
ARBOC
Model
Spirit of Mobility
Year
2015 (gasoline) & 2016 (diesel)
Total Capacity
17-23 passengers (dependent on seating configuration)
Total Wheelchair Capacity
3-4
Total buses
22
Communities
Salt Spring Island, Merritt, Bella Coola, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Central Fraser Valley, Vernon, Kelowna , Victoria
