BC Transit saw its highest growth for ridership since 2008/09, part of a list of achievements across the province.
In its 2018/19 annual report, BC Transit says it saw a six per cent increase in ridership with 57 million annual passenger trips.
According to BC Transit, there was a nearly four per cent increase with about 58,000 annualized service hours, which were added with the implementation of 23 service expansions across 17 transit systems.
“It’s great to see more and more people choosing transit in B.C. Public transit helps make B.C. communities more affordable and inclusive, while cutting congestion and lowering our carbon footprint,” B.C. transportation and infrastructure minister Claire Trevana said in a statement.
Over the last year, transit says infrastructure projects supported by federal funding includes expanded transit operations facilities in Victoria, Campbell River and the Cowichan Valley.
BC Transit says service expansions across the province included new transit routes, improved frequency, extended hours of operation, and investments in custom handyDART service.
Improving customer service was part of transit’s focus during the year, including the roll-out of NextRide, a real-time bus location technology in six communities, including Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and Victoria.
A Battery-Electric Bus (BEB) pilot was conducted in Victoria, with a three month in-service trial for three months, to help determine their readiness and operational capabilities, as BC Transit looks at moving to a low-carbon fleet.
BC Transit says there were 600 buses equipped with closed-circuit television, the launch of the Douglas and Highway 1 bus lanes and the completion of Colwood/View Royal Rapid Transit Study and launch of Westshore Action Plan.
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