BC Transit has completed construction at the UVic Transit Exchange near the campus bookstore and the exchange will be reopened to the public as of tomorrow. The project construction started in early this summer in partnership with the Federal Government, the Province and UVic.
The project rehabilitated the north side of the existing UVic Exchange and bus stops along Ring Road, including the rehabilitation and enhancement of nine bus bays, six bus shelters and two layover bays. As part of the project, the surrounding pedestrian environment, including signage and wayfinding, have been improved along with the addition of new bicycle storage shelters.
Additional project features to the transit exchange area include:
- New bus shelters that are now the current BC Transit design
- New lighting, signage and landscaping, including paved walkways on pedestrian desire lines
- New concrete bus pads and asphalt driving surface in the exchange
- Redesigned layout to improve pedestrian movement and circulation near the UVic bookstore stairs
- Realigned crosswalk locations to improve sight lines for bus operators and pedestrians and reduce crossing times
UVic students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents of the area, will now benefit from better access to public transit, higher quality pathways, and increased access to active transportation infrastructure in the Oak Bay and Saanich areas.
UVic is the second-largest transit destination in Greater Victoria, with many core transit routes terminating there. Over 17,000 transit trips are made to and from the university each day, more than 25 per cent of all trips. Future transit use at UVic could be considerably higher, depending on how much and how quickly the university population grows. BC Transit recognizes the potential for ridership growth, and plans to serve UVic with a combination of rapid transit and frequent bus services.
The Government of Canada invested just under $1.8 million in this project and the Government of British Columbia provided over $1.7 million. The University of Victoria and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission contributed a combined total of over $1 million.
QUOTES:
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“The now-completed rehabilitated UVic transit exchange will directly benefit University of Victoria students and residents of the area. The enhanced bus stops, bays, and shelters will guarantee a safer, more comfortable commuter experience. Our Government is committed to making smart investments that support efficient, more sustainable transportation and make it easier for more people to use and choose public transit.”
Lana Popham, Saanich South MLA, on behalf of Rob Fleming, Minster of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The improvements to this transit exchange are part of our government’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable, reliable, climate friendly transportation options for people. Public transit is already the easiest way to travel to and from UVic and this new exchange will make it even more convenient.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
“We’re rehabilitating existing and installing new transit exchanges across B.C. in order to create convenient and comfortable spaces for people to catch their bus. UVic is one of the busiest transit hubs in the Victoria region, so I have no doubt this rehabilitated exchange and additional amenities will be well used and appreciated by the campus community and the public.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission
“The Victoria Regional Transit Commission supports projects like this as it adds to the longevity of vital transit infrastructure and improves the overall experience for transit riders. We’re thankful to partner with other levels of government that see the value in public transit and step up to make important investments like this throughout our region.”
Kristi Simpson, Vice-President Finance and Operations, UVic
“The refreshed campus transit exchange will improve service and accessibility for the many students and employees who commute by bus to campus. We are committed to sustainable transportation choices as demonstrated in our continued investment in both the employee transit pass and U-Pass programs. Together, these initiatives encourage affordable, convenient, low-carbon transportation to and from campus.”
