Important upgrades coming to BC Transit Facility in Whistler

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 21, 2016) - Investing in public transit creates connected, sustainable communities and provides a better quality of life for the middle class. It's about helping Canadians get around safely, reducing congestion, keeping the environment clean and providing an efficient and comfortable commute back home.

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jordan Sturdy, Member of Legislative Assembly of West Vancouver Sea to Sky, were at the BC Transit Facility in Whistler today to announce a $3.2 million investment in the facility.

This funding will allow BC Transit to install a new natural gas compressor and fuelling station in Whistler to support buses that run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Not only will this investment reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will also position Whistler to meet future demands for increased ridership and improve operational efficiency.

The project being announced today is in addition to other recently approved projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) that will benefit Whistler transit riders. For example, new technology for buses such as the installation of closed-circuit television cameras will improve the safety and security of both drivers and passengers, real-time GPS tracking will improve scheduling accuracy for riders, and the addition of automatic passenger counters will enable BC Transit to optimize service delivery based on informed data.

Quotes

"This vital transportation investment builds on Whistler's continuing leadership in sustainability, and reflects Canada's commitment to funding green infrastructure projects. The federal government will continue to support public infrastructure projects such as this to contribute to the quality of life of all Canadians - leaving a lasting legacy to future generations."

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"B.C. was the first province to sign an agreement with Canada under the new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, which demonstrates our commitment to investing in transit communities throughout the province. This funding will enable Whistler to move into the future with cleaner burning CNG-fuelled buses and technology upgrades that will help meet rising demand for service while lowering our carbon footprint."

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

"Public transit is essential to building strong, sustainable communities. It's exciting for the Whistler Transit community to receive this investment in technology - it reflects our values and will take us into a cleaner future with lower emissions."

Jordan Sturdy, Member of Legislative Assembly of West Vancouver Sea to Sky

"This investment in improved transit infrastructure for Whistler is important for the future of our community and our ability to grow in a sustainable way. We are also excited by the investment in technology enhancements that will support our continued focus on an efficient and progressive transportation network."

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Mayor of Whistler

"The new facility will support CNG buses which will benefit the environment and are proven to reduce operating costs. These investments will also support the growing demand for transit in the community."

Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit

Quick facts

• This is a public transit project funded under the initial phase of Investing in Canada, the federal government's long term infrastructure plan.
• This project will receive $1,600,000 from the federal PTIF.
• This investment, in addition to the PTIF funding announced for British Columbia on June 16, 2016, will help the transit system continue to be reliable, efficient and environmentally sustainable.
• The B.C. government will provide $1,056,000 towards the project. Whistler will provide the remaining $544,000.
• In partnership with local governments, B.C. 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 B.C. Transit a unique service for smaller communities anywhere in Canada.

Associated links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120-billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html.

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html.

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php.

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada