Adding and refurbishing buses and advancing the second phase of its Smart Bus Technology initiative are two of the five projects BC Transit will advance with more than C$136 million (US$103.34 million) in joint funding that was announced Nov. 16.
“Investing in public transit infrastructure helps build sustainable communities, encourage economic growth and strengthen the middle class. Together, we are making positive changes like this one for the economy and the environment that will benefit future generations,” said the Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
BC Transit will use the funds to purchase up to 118 new buses for its fleet, undertake a major refurbishment of its existing fleet, purchase standby generators for three facilities and install approximately 100 bus shelters across the province. BC Transit will also install advanced fare technology that will enable mobile fare payments; expand and install real-time technology, which includes GPS tracking technologies.
The government of Canada is contributing up to C$60.38 million (US$45.88 million) to these BC Transit projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The government of British Columbia is providing C$52.69 million (US$40.04 million) and local governments are providing C$23.81 million (US$17.64 million).
“I would like to thank both our federal and provincial partners for continuing to make public transit a priority through meaningful investment in the communities we proudly serve. It is an exciting time for BC Transit and I look forward to the opportunities we have to enhance the experience of our customers through infrastructure, fleet improvements, innovation and new technology,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO, BC Transit.
