Victoria – New facilities bring welcomed upgrades to safety and efficiency for the Victoria Regional Transit System, and other BC Transit systems across the province.
In 2016, the project was announced as a three-phased endeavour, consisting of a new warehouse for the Langford facility (1000 Henry Eng Place), a brand new paint and body shop and ancillary administrative space, including seismic upgrades and retrofitting (also at the Victoria facility).
These projects are part of the almost $180 million in federal, provincial and local government funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June 2016.
“Public transit infrastructure is vital to building strong sustainable communities where all residents have access to essential services and opportunities,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “These important transit improvement projects will not only help the Victoria Regional Transit System meet growing demand, but also support better daily transit services for BC Transit users across the province and lay the groundwork for future growth.”
The new Langford warehouse, a facility completed in October 2017, now accommodates a centralized stockroom and provincial distribution facility, allowing transit systems throughout the province to be served in the most efficient manner possible.
“People rely on transit, whether it’s to get to work or school, going shopping or visiting friends. That’s why we are proud to support public transit in B.C.,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The new facilities in Langford and Victoria, as well as the seismic upgrades, reflect a shared commitment to both workplace safety and efficiency.”
The new paint and body shop in Victoria has not only improved the seismic integrity of the transit centre, but it will also boost the productive capacity of one of the busiest transit repair shops in the province. An average of 1,200 jobs are completed in the body shop each year.
“On behalf of the Victoria RegionaI Transit Commission, we are very proud of these new upgrades,” said Susan Brice, Victoria Regional Transit Commission Chair. “It has been such a positive experience, working together with the federal government, the provincial government and BC Transit, to provide solutions that contribute to safe and efficient transit for our communities.”
The supplementary administrative space above the central garage will allow teams to collaborate and work more effectively.
“An effective and efficient operation requires accurately predicting and responding to demand,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “This investment in facilities represents our response to projected growth and a commitment to public transit from our government partners at all levels.”
The facility construction and upgrades represent an investment of $13.9 million in supporting provincial public transportation. This project is part of the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), from which approximately 83 per cent of construction costs are being provided by the Federal Government and the Province of B.C. The remaining costs were covered by the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.
Delivering on BC Transit’s core value of safety, all new construction adhered to rigorous practices set out by the BC Building Code, helping to ensure the physical and seismic integrity of the warehouse and maintenance facilities.
For more information on the Victoria Regional Transit System, please visit bctransit.com/victoria or call 250-382-6161.
Media Contact:
Shellene McConnell
Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor
Media@bctransit.com
250-995-5763
