VICTORIA – Passengers can expect to see 25 new medium-duty Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses operating in Victoria in the coming weeks, providing a quieter, greener transit experience for people across the region.
Each 30-foot, medium-duty Grande West Vicinity bus can carry up to 24 seated passengers and 20 standing passengers. Each new bus is also equipped with a bike rack which accommodates three-inch tires, white LED destination sign and full driver door designed to protect the health and safety of drivers and passengers.
These 25 new medium-duty buses are the latest in the addition of 99 CNG buses planned for service in CNG compatible transit systems this year. The first heavy-duty CNG buses were activated in Victoria in late February. CNG buses are part of BC Transit’s Low Carbon Fleet Program to support provincial targets for greenhouse gas emissions and align with the provincial CleanBC plan.
The benefits of CNG technology are both environmental and economic, with reductions in tailpipe emissions and operational costs. FortisBC supplies natural gas for BC Transit’s CNG fleets, while the CNG fueling station, located at the Langford operations and maintenance facility, is maintained by Clean Energy.
The cost of each medium-duty CNG bus is approximately $455,000. All are funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with the Government of Canada and the Province of BC each contributing 40 per cent of the cost. The Victoria Regional Transit Commission is funding the remaining 20 per cent for these medium-duty CNG buses.
QUOTES:
“Investing in modern and accessible public transportation systems is essential to building inclusive and resilient communities. These new, fuel-efficient CNG buses for the Greater Victoria area will reduce harmful emissions and bus operating costs, support Canadian jobs, and help us move forward on fighting climate change and creating well-connected sustainable communities across the country.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Encouraging people to leave their cars at home and get on the bus will help us all lower our carbon footprint and achieve our CleanBC goals. And BC Transit adding CNG buses to its fleet will further help us reach a green and low carbon future.”
Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“I am proud to welcome the first of our CNG medium duty buses — a key step in our low carbon fleet program. As we transition to a zero emission fleet by 2040, these buses are greener and will reduce the overall environmental impact, while ensuring we have the right size fleet in each community to match capacity to demand.”
Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s President and CEO
“Public transit is already the greener choice for people moving throughout Victoria. Replacing buses in the fleet that are older and less efficient with CNG buses can only encourage more people to do their part for the environment by getting on board.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission
