A joint investment between the government of Canada and BC Transit of more than C$20.6 million (US$15 million) will help fund a central Provincial Distribution Centre in Colwood, B.C.
Funding will upgrade three warehouse spaces in the city to establish a central facility for BC Transit’s provincial bus fleet. The Provincial Distribution Center, located near two major transit centers, will ensure a high level of bus availability, support fleet maintenance activities and serve as a centralized space to store parts for different types of buses, including battery-electric buses (BEBs).
Once complete, the Provincial Distribution Center will improve employee safety and working environment by eliminating the need to work outside in bad weather. The center will also help BC Transit keep more buses in service, making public transit more reliable and a more desirable option for residents.
“Providing people with reliable public transit options is essential to getting more cars off the road. Investing in a Provincial Distribution Center in Colwood will help keep more buses in service, encouraging residents to choose a lower-emission mode of travel. Our government will continue investing in projects that support a cleaner future and help Canadians get where they need to go,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of international development and minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
“Ensuring the accessibility and reliability of public transit is critical to building a more equitable and sustainable future for all British Columbians. This investment in BC Transit’s Provincial Distribution Center will help make sure that BC Transit’s fleet of vehicles are on the road and getting British Columbians where they need to go in communities all around the province,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure for British Columbia.
“BC Transit thanks our government partners for their investment in this important project. Funding for a central warehouse facility will better support the overall management of our growing provincial fleet, ensuring we are able to keep our essential transit services running efficiently for our valued customers,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit
The government of Canada is investing C$2.3 million (US$1.7 million). The government of British Columbia is investing C$8.4 million (US$6.1 million) and local governments are investing C$9.9 million (US$7.2 million).
