Transit System: Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast – New Grande West Vicinity buses are arriving on the Sunshine Coast. Six new buses will be arriving and in service by the end of summer to support system expansion in the fall.
“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities on the Sunshine Coast,” 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 have better performance, are more environmentally friendly and reduced fuel consumption.
“With its fuel efficiency, lighter weight and improved maneuverability, the Vicinity is a great addition particularly for our routes in Lower Gibsons and Roberts Creek,” said Gordon Dykstra, Manager of Transit and Fleet for the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
Each Vicinity bus can seat 24 passengers with room for another 20 standees. There is also space for two mobility aids. Medium-duty buses burn less fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30 per cent, when compared to a standard heavy-duty (40-foot) bus.
Each bus will cost $319,807, and is funded by the Province of BC and 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 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 Sunshine Coast Transit System can be found at bctransit.com/sunshine-coast. The new bus will also be part of the Sea Cavalcade parade in Gibsons, BC on July 29.
Media Contact
Jonathon Dyck, BC Transit Communications Manager
Media@bctransit.com | 250-995-5720
