A combined investment of more than C$3.1 million (US$2.3 million) between the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia (B.C.) and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary will launch a refurbishment and expansion plan on the existing transit exchange in the city of Trail, B.C., within the West Kootenay Transit System.
“BC Transit is pleased to secure funding that will expand and modernize the Trail Exchange to better support the growing region," said BC Transit President and CEO. Erinn Pinkerton. "Once completed, passengers will be able to transfer more efficiently, easily and comfortably between buses and transit operators will have a place to reset during their shifts. The Trail Exchange is an important hub for people commuting in the West Kootenay Transit System and we thank our funding partners for their contributions towards this exciting project.”
The project will work to ensure the transit exchange will be prepared to support new bus routes and expanded service levels to prepare the agency for ridership volume increases as the community continues to grow.
The project will apply six concrete bus pads, capable of accommodating standard capacity buses to the facility. The upgrade will help to improve the arrival and departure process at transit exchanges.
Improvements also include new bus shelters, benches, shelter lighting, bicycle racks and an operator washroom facility for transit employees. Sidewalks will be widened, along with the resurfacing and painting of streets and crosswalks to improve passenger safety and accessibility.
The government of Canada is investing C$1.2 million (US$890,154) through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The government of B.C. is investing C$1.2 million (US$890,154) and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is contributing C$615,679 (US$456,676). Funding from all three orders of government is secured and administered by BC Transit.
“Our community is growing and so has our need for inclusive transportation options," said Colleen Jones, mayor of the city of Trail. "We are grateful for the financial support from federal and provincial governments, as well as BC Transit and RDKB Transit Service. This project will improve safety and accessibility between downtown Trail and neighboring communities.”
