Transit System: Cowichan Valley
COWICHAN VALLEY – Starting today, passengers can expect to see five new light-duty buses operating in the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System, providing safe, reliable and comfortable handyDART service for people across the region.
The 26-foot light-duty Micro Bird G5 buses can carry up to 20 seated passengers, and provide flexibility for up to four mobility aids. Each new bus is equipped with a lift system near the rear of the bus to provide safe loading and unloading of mobility aids. They also feature an LED destination sign, modern vinyl seating, white noise tonal back-up alarm and an integrated back-up camera. These features will improve the safety, cleanliness and customer experience for handyDART service.
All five buses come equipped with a temporary vinyl panel installed to protect the health of both drivers and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These additions to the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System will replace existing buses in the fleet that are nearing the end of their service life.
The deliveries are part of a wider plan to add approximately 70 light duty buses in select transit systems in B.C. in 2020. An additional five new ARBOC light duty buses will be added to the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System later this year. These gasoline-fueled buses will replace existing diesel ARBOC buses nearing the end of their service life.
handyDART is an accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person. handyDART picks you up at your accessible door and drops you off at the accessible door of your destination.
