New ARBOC Spirit of Mobility buses have started to arrive in five communities across the province to replace buses in BC Transit's current fleet.
The buses will be customized depending on their intended use. The ARBOC buses have between 17 to 23 seats depending on the configuration. The buses are accessible as it is a low floor bus with kneeling capability. It is flexible in its design, allowing for up to four wheelchairs. Theater style seating provides a better view for passengers traveling on the bus. BC Transit has approximately 300 ARBOC buses in its fleet across the province.
Three buses will be going to the 100 Mile House Paratransit System, four buses will be going to the Alberni-Clayoquot Custom Transit System, two buses will be going to the Cranbrook Custom Transit System, a bus will be going to the Salt Spring Transit System, and a bus will be going to the Merritt Custom Transit System.
Each bus will cost approximately $240,000. Six of the buses are funded by the Province of BC and through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program. The other five buses are part of the almost $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June 2016.
