Transit System: Campbell River, Central Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, Clearwater, Comox Valley, Fort St. John, Hazeltons, Mount Waddington, Prince George, Smithers, South Okanagan-Similkameen, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Victoria
21 September 2018
Corporate – New buses have started to arrive in communities across the Province. Two different models will be delivered – the ARBOC Spirit of Mobility buses will replace buses in the current fleet, while the 30 and 35-foot Vicinity buses will expand the fleet size in select communities.
“Investing in public transit infrastructure is key to growing the middle class. I’m pleased to see these modern and accessible new buses rolling into communities across B.C. to better serve current users, support future growth in communities across the province and contribute to building more inclusive communities,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
ARBOC Spirit of Mobility buses will roll out through August 2018 in the following transit systems:
Transit system
Buses delivered
Clearwater
2
Fort St. John
5
Hazeltons
2
Mt. Waddington
3
Smithers
3
Summerland
2
Squamish
3
Sunshine Coast
4
South Okanagan-Similkameen
1
The buses will be customized depending on their intended use. The ARBOC buses have between 17 to 23 seats depending on the configuration. The buses are accessible as it is a low floor bus with kneeling capability. It is flexible in its design, allowing for up to four wheelchairs. Gradual sloped floor, theater style seating provides a better view for passengers traveling on the bus. BC Transit has approximately 300 ARBOC buses in its fleet across the province. Each bus will cost approximately $240,000.
Vicinity buses will be delivered through September 2018 to the following transit systems:
Transit system
Bus length
Buses delivered
Campbell River
35-foot
4
Central Fraser Valley
35-foot
2
Chilliwack
35-foot
3
Comox Valley
35-foot
2
Prince George
35-foot
3
Squamish
30-foot
1
Victoria
30-foot
2
“Each time a new bus is introduced into a transit system, we are improving the way in which we are connecting people to their communities,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “Whether we are expanding a fleet or replacing a bus with a newer model, these new buses will greatly impact the customer experience.”
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.
Please visit BCTransit.com to find more information about the current bus fleet, schedules and
fares.
