Prince George Transit Has A New Cadillac
By 250 News
Monday, August 25, 2008 12:39 PM
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Two new buses have been added to the fleet (Photo Opinion 250 Staff)
Prince George, B.C.- The City of Prince George has expanded transit services with the addition of two new buses and increased hours.
The local improvements are part of a $20.5 million Provinical commitment to improve transit in B.C communities. The new buses were paid for with 1/3 from the Province, 1/3 from the fare box and 1/3 from the City.
The addition of two buses brings the fleet to a total of 25.
Mayor Colin Kinsley says the new buses will be painted soon so we do not look as if we have a huge ferry on the road, “The new design will signify the green highway of the future as the new system aims to lower emissions. We want to have entire fleet of these at some point.”
Prince George Transit has increased routes in four areas:
- Route # 91 with service to the Hart Highway and North Necako 7 days per week.
- Route # 47 with service along Queensway will now be bi-directional during peak times with the option of adding more service if the demand grows.
- Route #17 and 18 is an express route which will now be a direct route from Spruceland to UNBC during peak hours. This will help alleviate congestion as users no longer need to transfer at 15th Ave.
- Route # 16 with service to College Heights will now operate on Sunday.
Richard Neville and Bob McCauley have been working with Prince George Transit for 30 years and have welcomed the changes over the years, “The first buses did not have radios or heat. These new buses are Cadillacs compared to the old ones. We have come a long way in terms of routes as we work our way into subdivisions. We used to just have one bus that went straight up the Hart Highway to Chief Lake, you had to endure the entire ride to get into town.”
Service to UNBC will assist with the increase in student passengers that is expected from the introduction of U-PASS which gives students unlimited access.
On September 2, handyDart will also increase hours of service as there has also been an increase in ridership among those with mobility issues. The Carefree Society has reported approximately 3700 rider per month among 1800 riders.
Ridership in Prince George increased 10 percent last year. The Provincial Transit Plan aims to double ridership by 2020.
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Posted by: BCRacer on August 25 2008 2:37 PM
spelling police inc.