Improved infrastructure, modernized technology and newer and cleaner buses are topping the list of BC Transit projects for the Cowichan Valley soon to roll out under phase one of the new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone announced yesterday.

This announcement is part of a series of announcements being made to unveil details of the almost $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June with Premier Christy Clark and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

The Cowichan Valley is set to receive a boost to transit infrastructure with a new and expanded transit operations and maintenance facility. The new facility will enable the future introduction of cleaner burning compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The $15 million project will position the Cowichan Valley to meet a growing demand for transit in addition to improving operational efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Also prioritized are technology enhancements that will pave the way for a better customer experience from beginning to end. Modernizations to buses include Closed Circuit TV to increase the safety of passengers and drivers, and automatic passenger counters that will enable BC Transit to optimize service delivery based on informed data.

This is the first phase of the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and provides BC Transit-served communities with $90 million in funding from the federal government and $67.8 million from the province with local governments contributing an additional 17% to fund new capital projects in their regions over the next three years.

BC Transit will continue to work with local governments to identify priority projects for the second phase of the federal-provincial funding.

In partnership with local governments, BC Transit provides access to public transit to more than 1.6 million British Columbians in 130 communities outside Metro Vancouver. As a result of our commitment to transit in B.C., communities with as few as 1,000 people have access to transit making BC Transit a unique service for smaller communities anywhere in Canada.

The province also provides the highest level of operating funding support, per capita, for transit in Canada.

Quotes:

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities –

“Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation, and boosts economic development. This is why the Government of Canada is providing unprecedented funding for public infrastructure projects that will help grow the middle class and promote sustainable development and long-term prosperity in communities across the country.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“This funding for a new, expanded transit facility will enable the Cowichan Valley to meet current demand for public transit, while allowing room for growth down the road. As B.C.’s population and economy continues to grow, transit infrastructure needs to keep pace. This investment will help meet rising demand, ease congestion, lower our carbon footprint, and enhance our quality of life.”

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation and MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“Public transit is essential to the lives of many British Columbians – we depend on access to safe, reliable transit to commute to work or school, to access services and activities, and to connect with friends and family. This investment will ensure that residents of the Cowichan Valley continue to enjoy their commute for generations to come.”

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley –

“This investment in a new transit operations facility for the Cowichan Valley is vital for the growth of the community. The introduction of infrastructure to support new vehicle technologies such as cleaner-burning CNG buses will further our goal to build environmentally sustainable communities.”

Jon Lefebure, CVRD board chair –

“This investment in a new transit operations and maintenance facility for the Cowichan Valley will contribute to economically vibrant, livable, and sustainable communities as identified in the Transit Future Plan. The CVRD is pleased to be working together with all levels of government on this initiative to allow the growth of our transit fleet, increased service and encourage an increase in ridership across the Cowichan Valley.”

Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of BC Transit –

“These investments will meet the growing transit needs of the Cowichan Valley. The new facility will support CNG buses which will benefit the environment and reduce operating costs.”

Quick Facts:

• The bilateral Public Transit Infrastructure Fund agreement provides BC Transit with $90 million in funding from the federal government and $67.8 million from the province with local governments contributing an additional 17% of funding for new capital projects in their regions over the next three years.
• In the past, local governments have been responsible for approximately 50% of the funding for these projects.
• Phase one prioritizes projects that include:
  • New infrastructure: Bus depots, maintenance yards, operations facilities and new CNG fuelling stations.
  • New buses: Investments in more efficient buses including cleaner burning CNG-fuelled buses, new buses for HandyDART service expansion, and replacement buses.
  • New technology: Buses to be equipped with CCTV to enhance safety for passengers and drivers, automatic passenger counters and real-time information to provide data to improve transit operating efficiencies.