Better Public Transit for the Cowichan Valley Thanks to Federal and Provincial Funding

DUNCAN, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 29, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

Safe, modern and efficient public infrastructure provides the residents of British Columbia communities with better access to cost-efficient and reliable transportation options, get them to work on time and safely back home so they can spend more time with their families.

On June 16, 2016, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and British Columbia Premier, Christy Clark, announced the signature of a new federal-provincial agreement worth more than $900 million of combined investments in public transit across the province, including $160 million in funding for BC Transit. Of the more than $900 million total investment, the Government of Canada is contributing $460 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

On July 19, 2016, details about the BC Transit projects were shared, which will support new facilities, buses, and technologies to improve safety for passengers and drivers and make taking public transit more convenient and efficient.

For the Cowichan Valley, residents will soon benefit from investments in transit infrastructure and bus technology enhancements.

The new and expanded transit operations and maintenance 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.

Bus technology enhancements will also pave the way for a better customer experience from beginning to end. Closed Circuit TV will increase the safety of passengers and drivers, and automatic passenger counters will enable BC Transit to optimize service delivery based on real-time data collection.

Quick Facts

• Federal funding for these projects comes from the new $3.4 billion Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. This fund is part of Phase 1 of Investing in Canada that in total provides $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.
• BC Transit will continue to work with local governments to identify additional projects for funding consideration.
• 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 the Province's 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 currently provides the highest level of operating funding, per capita, for transit in Canada.

Quotes

"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."

Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"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."

The Honourable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

"By financing projects like the BC Transit projects for Cowichan Valley, we will help build reliable, efficient transit options for local residents. I am pleased that federal funding is helping the region's middle class get to work on time and back home safely, and helping to ensure opportunities for a high quality of life for generations to come."

Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country

"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."

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

"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."

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley

"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."

Jon Lefebure, Cowichan Valley Regional District Board Chair

"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."

Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit

Associated links

Details on 11 BC Transit projects announced on July 19, 2016.

Progress on federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia.

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan.

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

Have your say on infrastructure.

Connect with the Province of B.C.

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Web: Infrastructure Canada