New buses arriving in the Cowichan Valley

Duncan – New Grande West Vicinity buses are arriving in the Cowichan Valley as replacements for part of the existing 18-year-old fleet. Six buses will arrive in the Cowichan Valley this summer.

“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in the Cowichan Valley,” 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 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.

“The arrival of these buses helps the Cowichan Valley continue to grow a safe and accessible transit system,” explains Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board Chair Jon Lefebure. “We look forward to welcoming more members of our community on board.”

Each bus will cost approximately $319,000, and is funded by the Province of BC and the CVRD through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program.

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 six buses is part of a larger province-wide refresh program, with over 100 new buses arriving in communities across British Columbia this year from Grande West, New Flyer and ARBOC.

More details about the Cowichan Valley Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/cowichan-valley.

Media contact

Jonathon Dyck

Communications Manager

BC Transit

Media@bctransit.com

250-995-5720