Transit System: Chilliwack
Chilliwack– Three new BC Transit Vicinity buses are arriving in Chilliwack to support system expansion. One bus will arrive this summer, and two will arrive in 2018.
“Our government is committed to investing in transit – it makes services accessible and life more affordable for British Columbians,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We anticipate the inclusion of CCTV cameras on these buses will improve the safety of everyone on board.”
The new buses are made by Grande West Transportation International Ltd., based in Aldergrove, B.C. The 30-foot and 35-foot medium duty buses will help better meet the transit needs of the communities they serve as they perform better and have more safety features than the current fleet of buses.
The 30-foot Vicinity bus can seat 24 passengers with room for another 20 standees. Each of the 35-foot Vicinity buses can seat 30 passengers with room for another 24 standees. In both models, there is also space for two mobility aids. The new buses are equipped with two doors for more efficient operation and easier access on and off the bus by customers.
“Public transportation remains a high priority for Chilliwack City Council and we thank the Province of BC and BC Transit for working together with us to provide affordable transportation that better meets the needs of our residents while delivering increased safety features for riders and drivers,” said City of Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz.
Each 30-foot bus will cost approximately $319,000, and each 35-foot bus will cost approximately $347,000. The buses are funded by the Province of BC and the local government through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program.
“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in Chilliwack and the surrounding area,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “Customers will see and hear a difference with the new buses as they are more effective and efficient.”
The new buses will also have active closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to improve the safety of our customers and drivers. Cameras have been installed on buses in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Chilliwack, Whistler, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Penticton, Nelson, Vernon, and Victoria. Details about the CCTV camera program can be found at bctransit.com.
The introduction of these three new vehicles will support system expansion. It is part of a larger province-wide refresh and expansion program, with over 100 buses arriving in communities across British Columbia over the next two-years from Grande West, New Flyer and ARBOC.
More details about the Chilliwack Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/chilliwack.
Media contact:
Jonathon Dyck
BC Transit
Communications Manager
250-995-5720
Media@bctransit.com
