VICTORIA – BC Transit is bringing the Vicinity to Victoria for public
viewings and demonstrations. Starting this Thursday, transit customers are invited
to come for a ride on the new Vicinity and see why it has been chosen by BC
Transit for Community Shuttle service across the Province.
The Vicinity is a 27.5 foot low-floor medium duty bus designed in Canada to
meet the functional requirements of Community Shuttle service. The bus is assembled
in China and the majority of its parts including: brakes, transmission, control
systems and engine are North American or European made. These parts are found
in existing BC Transit buses and in many other North American transit vehicles.
After 18 months of testing the bus across the Province, BC Transit purchased
15 Vicinity vehicles which will go into revenue service in the spring of 2013.
BC Transit communities in Penticton, Quesnel, Nelson and Dawson Creek have claimed
ten Vicinity buses for their regions. The remaining five are intended for the
Victoria Regional Transit system.
Compared to our existing Community Shuttle vehicles, the Vicinity offers greater
safety and comfort for both passengers and our operators. It also offers improved
accessibility and capacity. Unlike the existing Community Shuttle fleet, the
Vicinity has a unique look that will distinguish it from handyDART service.
“We are committed to finding the best product for our customers and our
service needs,” said Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit.
“The Vicinity is the latest acquisition for our company which has a proud
history of fleet innovation. We encourage everyone to come for a ride on the
Vicinity.”
BC Transit was the first in North America to adopt low-floor buses as a fleet
standard, to make double decker buses a major component of a transit fleet and
to introduce hybrid buses. Our company has a tradition of leading change in
transit vehicles including imports from other countries. We look forward to
welcoming the Vicinity to our Provincial fleet.
BC
Transit and Community Shuttle Service Quick Facts
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Transit Community Shuttle Comparisons
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Transit Operator Training
Media Contact:
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
d: 250.995.5720
meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
