BC Transit has announced that several more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses will be hitting the streets of Victoria in the near future.
According to the transit authority, 25 new CNG vehicles will be joining the fleet, offering a “quieter, greener transit experience” for riders.
Each bus is capable of carrying up to 24 seated passengers and 20 standing passengers, says BC Transit, and will be equipped with a bike rack.
The new buses will also be equipped with a full driver door that BC Transit says is designed to protect the health and safety of both drivers and passengers.
The 25 medium-duty CNG buses will be the latest model to be deployed in Victoria, joining a group of heavy-duty CNG buses that went into service back in February.
“Investing in modern and accessible public transportation systems is essential to building inclusive and resilient communities. These new, fuel-efficient CNG buses for the Greater Victoria area will reduce harmful emissions and bus operating costs, support Canadian jobs, and help us move forward on fighting climate change and creating well-connected sustainable communities across the country,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
The CNG models are part of BC Transit’s Low Carbon Fleet initiative, aligning with the CleanBC plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“The benefits of CNG technology are both environmental and economic, with reductions in tailpipe emissions and operational costs. FortisBC supplies natural gas for BC Transit’s CNG fleets, while the CNG fueling station, located at the Langford operations and maintenance facility, is maintained by Clean Energy,” said BC Transit in a press release issued Wednesday.
BC Transit adds that each bus costs approximately $455,000 and are funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – a program which has the Government of Canada and the Province of BC contributing 40 per cent of the cost, while Victoria funds the remaining 20 per cent.
“As we transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040, these buses are greener and will reduce the overall environmental impact, while ensuring we have the right size fleet in each community to match capacity to demand,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s President and CEO.
The new CNG buses are expected to be deployed in the coming weeks.
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Graham Cox
