LANGFORD, BC, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in public transit infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transportation options that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of the day.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Saanich South, on behalf of the Honourable Claire Trevena, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Aaron Lamb, Vice President of Asset Management for BC Transit, announced more than $136 million in joint funding for five projects that will benefit transit users across B.C.
Today's funding will help BC Transit add new buses to its fleet, refurbish existing ones, introduce on-board cashless fare and GPS tracking technologies and build a series of new transit shelters. It will also allow them to purchase new generators for transit facilities in Whistler, Kamloops and Nanaimo to ensure uninterrupted operations in the event of power failures.
These important projects will bring a new level of convenience and comfort to bus users in the province and help B.C. Transit operate more efficiently and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Quotes
"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."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"People are spending too much time in traffic on our busy roads so we want to make it easier to choose transit. We will continue to work with BC Transit and our federal and municipal partners to identify and invest in projects that will improve transit for people, which in turn will reduce congestion and emissions."
The Honourable Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Saanich South, on behalf of the Honourable Claire Trevena, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
"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."
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
Quick facts
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- The Government of Canada is contributing up to $60,378,398 to these BC Transit projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The Government of BC is providing $52,690,738 and local governments are providing $23,812,653.
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Backgrounder
Canada and British Columbia support transit improvements in communities across B.C.
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure program, the Government of Canada is making significant investments that will improve the lives of Canadians.
The Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) will transform the way Canadians live, move and work by supporting projects that improve commute times, cut air pollution, rehabilitate public transit systems, and support the planning and development of future system improvements and expansions.
The following five BC Transit projects have been approved for funding under PTIS:
Project |
Description |
Federal contribution |
Provincial contribution |
Local municipal contribution |
Smart Bus Technology (Phase 2) |
New Advanced Fare Technology will be installed on buses in up to 29 communities (approximately 790 buses). This will enable mobile fare payments, replacing traditional fare boxes with near-field communication (NFC) technology that will support both closed loop and future open loop payment options for customers. Real-Time Technology will be expanded and installed on buses in up to 22 communities (approximately 270 buses). The technology will support a passenger-accessible internet portal, which will enable commuters to use web browsers and mobile devices to see the exact location of their bus along its route. Onboard, it will support automatic voice announcements and interior passenger information displays. This technology will also support the potential for wayside passenger information displays at key locations within the transit system. |
$13,400,000 |
$10,720,000 |
$2,680,000 |
Vehicle Acquisition (Phase 1) |
Up to 118 new buses will be acquired, replacing aging and end-of-life fleet and supporting the expansion of new transit services across British Columbia. These vehicles will feature improved efficiency, accessibility and safety features, and will support future technology upgrades including vehicle tracking, CCTV cameras, and new payment technologies. |
$29,149,988 |
$29,149,988 |
$14,574,994 |
Vehicle Refits and Major Components (Phase 1) |
A major refurbishment of BC Transit fleets will be undertaken to ensure vehicles meet their planned economic life. The refurbishment and replacement of vehicle components will help improve the quality of existing buses, extending their lifespan and increasing both driver and passenger safety. |
$14,728,410 |
$9,720,750 |
$5,007,659 |
Standby Generators |
Standby generators and related support infrastructure will be installed in BC Transit facilities in Nanaimo, Whistler and Kamloops to ensure business continuity and to support local and provincial emergency management systems in the event of a power outage. Backup generators will increase the resiliency of BC Transit operations, allowing for continued operations under safe conditions for drivers and riders in the event of a power outage. |
$2,000,000 |
$2,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
Bus Shelters (Phase 1) |
Approximately 100 bus shelters will be installed in communities across the province. These shelters will improve the safety and comfort of transit users while also increasing accessibility to ensure transit services are available and accessible to everyone. |
$1,100,000 |
$1,100,000 |
$550,000 |
Associated links
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [email protected]; Media Relations, Government Communications and Public Engagement, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, 250 356-8241; Shellene McConnell, BC Transit, Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor, [email protected], 250-995-5763; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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