Transit System: Port Alberni
Port Alberni – Five new BC Transit Vicinity buses are coming to Port Alberni this summer.
“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 community of Port Alberni welcomes these new buses with enthusiasm,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Modernizing our fleet to make taking public transit safer and more comfortable will help make bussing a viable option for more residents.”
The new buses are made by Grande West Transportation International Ltd., based in Aldergrove, B.C. The 30-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.
Each Vicinity bus can seat 24 passengers with room for another 20 standees. 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.
“New buses will be a tremendous benefit for our transit users. The enhanced mobility and safety features will make bus transit more accessible and comfortable for our customers” said Mayor Mike Ruttan. “In addition, with more efficient buses, our entire community will benefit from the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Each bus will cost approximately $319,000, and is funded by the Province of BC and the City of Port Alberni through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program.
“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in Port Alberni,” 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 five vehicles replace older vehicles in the fleet. 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 Port Alberni Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/port-alberni.
Media contact
Jonathon Dyck
BC Transit
Communications Manager
Media@bctransit.com
250-995-5720
