Three new BC Transit Vicinity buses are coming to Campbell River this summer.
“Our government is committed to investing in transit — it makes services accessible and life more affordable for British Columbians," said Claire Trevena, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We anticipate the inclusion of CCTV cameras on these buses will improve the safety of everyone on board.”
The new buses are made by Grande West Transportation International Ltd., based in Aldergrove, British Columbia. The 30-foot medium duty buses will help better meet the transit needs of the communities they serve as they perform better and have more safety features than the current fleet of buses.
Each Vicinity bus can seat 24 passengers with room for another 20 standees. There is also space for two mobility aids. The new buses are equipped with two doors for more efficient operation and easier access on and off the bus by customers.
“Campbell River has among the highest volume of people riding the bus for our size of community in British Columbia, which continues to increase every year. These new buses, combined with expanded routes and more frequent trips are significant improvements that offer greater system efficiency and will help make it even more convenient to take the bus,” said city of Campbell River Mayor Andy Adams.
Each bus will cost approximately $319,000, and is funded by the province of BC and the city of Campbell River through BC Transit’s local government lease fee program.
“The new buses will help us better connect people and communities in Campbell River,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit president and chief executive officer. “Customers will see and hear a difference with the new buses as they are more effective and efficient.”
The new buses will also have active closed circuit television cameras to improve the safety of our customers and drivers. Cameras have been installed on buses in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Chilliwack, Whistler, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Penticton, Nelson, Vernon, and Victoria.
The three new vehicles will replace older vehicles in the fleet. It is part of a larger province-wide refresh and expansion program, with over 100 buses arriving in communities across British Columbia over the next two-years from Grande West, New Flyer and ARBOC.
