Desi Today Magazine
PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier John Horgan and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit, on Thursday announced more than $79 million in joint funding to purchase 118 new buses for use in Victoria and communities throughout British Columbia.
The new buses will replace others at the end of their life cycle or increase capacity in communities where ridership is growing. The investment includes funding for 10 long-range electric buses that will provide greener transportation options in Greater Victoria. The new buses will be more efficient, have improved accessibility and safety features, and will support BC Transit’s new NextRide technology and closed-circuit television security cameras.
Trudeau said: “Many British Columbians depend on public transit to get where they need to go safely and efficiently. As communities in B.C. continue to grow, investments in public transit need to keep pace. By investing in reliable, efficient public transit, we are making a real difference in the lives of British Columbians, while protecting our environment and making our communities stronger.”
François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, added: “Public transit infrastructure is vital to building strong, sustainable communities where all residents have access to essential services and opportunities, and businesses can thrive. This investment in modern, eco-friendly vehicles serving communities across British Columbia will ensure that public transit services can continue to provide convenient, accessible transportation options that will improve the quality of life for residents today and contribute to a greener future.”
Horgan said: “Our government is committed to making life more affordable for British Columbians, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and investments like this will help us do just that. Working together, we can provide transit that people need and we can put public transit on a solid road towards a truly sustainable future.”
Pinkerton said: “These valuable partnerships have enabled BC Transit to actively pursue and implement low carbon technologies as we strive towards a cleaner, greener transit fleet. We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and our local government partners for their contributions and continued collaboration.”
