VERNON– A new transit operations and maintenance centre opened today in Vernon,
responding to the growing demands for public transportation in the city. The
centre was made possible with funding contributions from the federal,
provincial and municipal governments. Colin
Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan – Shuswap, joined Vernon-Monashee MLA
Eric Foster, along with Mayor Rob Sawatzky of the City of Vernon, Mayor Jim
Garlick of the District of Coldstream, Rick Fairbairn, Area D Director of the
Regional District of North Okanagan, and Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit president
and CEO, to officially open the new facility. “Our
government is proud to invest in projects that create jobs and economic growth,
and improve public transit for Canadians,” said Mayes. “This impressive new
transit centre will help to provide efficient and reliable transit service in
our communities, and ensure that transit users can reach their destinations
safely and on time.” “This
new facility provides the backbone for transit services in our community,” said
Foster. “Ultimately it provides room for transit to grow, which will benefit
families, business and environment.” The
$13.3-million facility was completed ahead of schedule and is expected to
handle the growth in demand for transit services throughout the region. The
Province contributed $4.7 million, the Government of Canada contributed $3.3
million and local partners funded the $5.3-million balance. The
facility consists of an administration and maintenance building, wash bay,
covered diesel fuelling station, outdoor covered storage area and parking. “A facility of this sort
is an essential part of our transit service as it evolves to suit our
community’s needs,” said Sawatzky. “I
am pleased to see the completion of this transit facility,” added Garlick. “The
district is committed to work with BC Transit and our partners to develop a
transit system that makes sense and serves the needs of the region in a
reasonable, cost-effective manner.” “This new
facility showcases our commitment to ensuring residents can continue to access
community resources and pursue economic opportunities,” said Fairbairn. Located
at the intersection of 43rd St. and 25th Ave., the centre
is expected to house the Vernon Regional Transit System for at least 25 years. “We are proud to be celebrating the official opening of this
facility with our partners today,” said Achadinha. “BC Transit is committed to
meeting the needs of our customers in Vernon and the surrounding communities
today and in the future.” In
2010, there were more than 500,000 trips on Vernon’s local transit system. This
project is part of the British Columbia Transit Improvement Program, a $420-million
suite of projects to which the federal government will contribute up to $118
million under the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component.
Learn More:
The
Provincial Transit Plan: www.th.gov.bc.ca/Transit_Plan/index.html
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