VICTORIA – The first of 11 new double decker buses is ready to enter service in the Victoria Regional Transit System and provide safe, reliable transportation for customers across the region.
The first Enviro500 bus is expected to enter limited service tomorrow, with the others joining the active fleet over the following weeks. Each bus has capacity to seat 89 passengers, with room for an additional 15 standing passengers on the lower level. They also come with two features that no other double decker buses in the BC Transit fleet have:
- a USB port at each seat to charge mobile devices
- a monitor at the bottom of the stairs to view upper level seating availability
- new Q’POD 3-point technology integrated wheelchair securement system
- vinyl seating fabric that is easy to clean and resists dirt and contaminants
- side mounted ‘docking lights’, which are designed to illuminate the bus stop area and increase safety for boarding and exiting passengers
Each bus will meet all Covid-19 signage requirements, and come equipped with a full driver door designed to protect the health and safety of customers and Transit Operators.
These 11 double decker buses will replace the first high capacity buses that entered service in the Victoria Regional Transit System in 2000. Bus 9001, the first double decker on the road in the region, was re-decaled in December 2020 and returned to its original colours and design as part of BC Transit’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
This $15.5 million project was funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with a roughly 40 percent contribution each from the Government of Canada and Province of BC, and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission funding the approximate remaining 20 percent.
Since the beginning of 2020, the replacement of aging fleet with new Compressed Natural Gas and double decker buses has reduced our Victoria fleet age from 12.2 years to 9.9.
Quotes
“Making our transit systems more efficient, reliable, and accessible helps Canadians reduce their commute times and reach their destinations faster. The arrival of new high capacity double decker buses in Victoria will provide riders with more seating options and access to monitors and USB docking stations to charge their electronics on the go. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
Rob Fleming – Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The new double decker buses are an exciting addition to the Victoria Regional Transit fleet. People who live and work in Greater Victoria are already choosing public transit as an affordable and greener mode of transportation. The Enviro 500s have a high passenger capacity meaning more people can get to where they need to go faster while we reduce congestion at the same time.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
“For more than 20 years, double decker buses have had a tremendous impact on our customers and have changed the landscape of public transit in Greater Victoria. With new features like the stairwell monitor and USB ports at each seat, these new buses will provide passengers with an even better experience than the great buses they are replacing.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission
“I’m pleased to see these new double decker buses added to the Victoria Regional Transit System fleet. They will help ensure customers in the region continue to get the most reliable service possible, and with a great view.”
Media contact
BC Transit Communications
250-880-1303
media@bctransit.com
