New buses arriving in Prince Rupert and Port Edward

Prince Rupert – Five new BC Transit Vicinity buses are coming to Prince Rupert and Port Edward. Three 30-foot buses will arrive this fall, and two 35-foot buses 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 communities of Prince Rupert and Port Edward welcome these new buses with enthusiasm,” said MLA for North Coast Jennifer Rice. “Modernizing our fleet to make taking public transit a safer option with added comfort will help make choosing transit 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 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.

Each of the 30-foot Vicinity buses 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.

“We are happy to be included as part of this initiative to renew buses throughout BC,” said City of Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain. “These new buses represent safer and more accessible transit for our community, and will improve overall user experience.”

Each 30-foot bus will cost approximately $319,000, and is funded by the Province of BC and the local government through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program. Each 35-foot bus will cost approximately $347,000 and are part of the almost $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June 2016.

“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in Prince Rupert and Port Edward,” 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 Prince Rupert Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/prince-rupert. More details about the Port Edward Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/port-edward.

Media contact:

Jonathon Dyck
BC Transit
Communications Manager
Media@bctransit.com
250-995-5720