Transit System: Williams Lake
Williams Lake – Three new BC Transit Vicinity buses are coming to Williams Lake.
“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 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 standing room for another 20. 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.
Introducing the new medium-sized vehicles was a recommendation in the 2016 Williams Lake Transit Service Review. The new vehicles will increase reliability of the service and offer greater comfort for riders.
“We are thrilled that Williams Lake was given priority for the newer vehicles – we look forward to enjoying the updates and improvements to the fleet,” said City of Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb.
Each bus will cost approximately $319,000, and is funded by the Province of B.C. and the City of Williams Lake through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program.
“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in Williams Lake,” 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. Details about the CCTV camera program can be found at bctransit.com. The Go-Bus Society looks forward to the new camera-equipped buses being able to provide increased safety and reliability for Transit users.
The three new vehicles will 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 Williams Lake Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/williams-lake.
Media contact
Jonathon Dyck
BC Transit
Communications Manager
250-995-5720
Media@bctransit.com
