NANAIMO – BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are delighted to announce ridership is on the rise – up 5.3% over last year. In its Annual Report, BC Transit recorded 2,796,621 passenger trips in 2013/14 that’s up from 2,657,328 in 2012/13.
The introduction of BC Transit’s first CNG fleet over the winter has helped raise the profile of public transit in the Nanaimo region. Plus at the start of the fiscal year, the local transit system added 5,000 annual service hours and a new Route #25 BC Ferries. The extra hours provided better coverage to Vancouver Island University, Parksville, Qualicum and Cedar.
“Nanaimo residents continue to show strong support for their local transit service,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell. “Ridership growth shows that transit is playing a significant role in helping people get to where they need to be, in an efficient and environmentally-friendly way.”
“It is rewarding to see that our ridership is growing,” said RDN Chair Joe Stanhope. “More and more, Regional District of Nanaimo Transit is becoming a preferred transportation choice for commuters within the region. Our expanded service hours and our new CNG fleet demonstrate our commitment to a future where public transit is a frequent transportation choice for a majority of RDN residents.”
“With strong local leadership, the introduction of the CNG fleet and an ongoing commitment to service excellence, the RDN system is attracting new riders and thriving,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “Congratulations to our partners at the Regional District of Nanaimo.”
Media Contacts:
Meribeth Burton
BC Transit
Corporate Spokesperson
250.995.5720
Media@bctransit.com
Daniel Pearce
Regional District of Nanaimo
Manager, Transit Operations
250.390.6501
Dpearce@rdn.bc.ca
