7% of BC Transit’s Victoria fleet affected by part maintenance issue

BC Transit says bus service in Victoria may have cancellations in the coming days due to a bus part requiring maintenance on approximately seven per cent of its fleet.

Jean Barnes, president of Unifor Local 333BC, which is the union that represents bus drivers, mechanics, and maintenance workers at BC Transit’s Greater Victoria operations, tells CHEK News the issue is with the Vicinity buses, which BC Transit has a number of in its fleet.

According to Barnes, BC Transit is taking a precaution with that part of the fleet, but there is no expected timeline of when the parts will be received. The parts are “very specific” and under warranty so cannot be sourced elsewhere.

BC Transit is advising customers to check NextRide, the Transit App or BC Transit’s website for information about potential cancellations in the coming days.

“Proactive customer advisories were issued in an effort to allow BC Transit customers to plan their travel, but the organization was able to resource enough buses to meet full scheduled service,” BC Transit said in an email statement. “However, we are anticipating some trip cancellations beginning this afternoon.”

BC Transit would not confirm what the part is that is leading to the issue requiring maintenance on its fleet, it did say it is not related to a recall issued earlier this month by Transport Canada.

Transport Canada issued a recall for the Nova Bus LS models made between 2009-2014 for issues with the emergency exit. Buses made in this timeframe were either made with emergency exits that are too small, or that are too difficult to open.

BC Transit does have 22 of these buses in its fleet, but says they were pulled from service due to the recall.

“In alignment with industry safety standards, BC Transit has removed these 22 buses from service out of an abundance of caution. Further investigation is required to verify the condition and scope of the potential issue,” BC Transit said in a statement.

“These buses will remain out of service until BC Transit has the opportunity to complete the necessary testing procedure, which takes time and requires specialized equipment.”

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