Torch Triggers Free Transit

Monday, January 18, 2010 08:08 PM

Prince George, B.C.- You will be able to a get a free ride to Exhibition Park on January 29^th for the Olympic torch event.

It is thought free transit would reduce vehicle congestion, increase safety for pedestrians and reduce vehicle emissions during this event.

The plan will see shuttle service offered from the Pine Centre and from Spruceland Shopping Mall on the 29^th, between 5:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Both Spruceland and Pine Center have agreed to allow vehicles to park in their property and work with the City to provide the best possible shuttle service.

Council has also approved offering free transit throughout the day in support of the Torch Celebration and to encourage greater attendance.

The free rides will mean the City will lose about $1,150 in revenue, and will cost about $850. There could be benefits though, as using transit on that day could encourage people to use transit in a more regular fashion.

Councilor Sherri Green says its expected there will be somewhere in the ara of 3,000 people attending the event "Vanoc and the sponsors will have numerous vehicles at Exhibition Park, there is also a hockey tourament and gymnastics going on there, so parking will not be available to the levels people may be used to."

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010 08:08 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: MrPG on January 19 2010 8:50 AM

"Vanoc and the sponsors will have numerous vehicles at Exhibition Park, there is also a hockey tourament and gymnastics going on there, so parking will not be available to the levels people may be used to."

So what you're saying is, people might actually have park a little farther away and walk? Gasp! The horror!

Thank goodness the city is providing this service so people won't actually have to walk more than 50 steps to attend this event.

Posted by: jonnypg on January 19 2010 10:30 AM

"gymnastics going on there"
I thoughy this was the winter olympics,not the summer olympics!

Posted by: seamutt on January 19 2010 11:13 AM

More olympic costs.

Posted by: Palopu on January 19 2010 6:46 PM

I can hardly wait to jump a bus at Spruceland or Pine Centre, ride to the Exibition Grounds and hang around for a few hours waiting for the torch to arrive.

This will give me a chance to mingle with my buddies and just have a hell of a time. Im more than happy to give up a parking space for Hockey fans, Gymnists, or Vanoc dudes.

Once the great show is over, and I have seen the biggest and best fireworks display ever in this City/ Then I can jump back on the grungy bus and go back to the mall parking lots, get my car and go home. What a day|||||

On the other hand I could watch TV and go to bed early. Hopefully the sound of the fireworks wont keep me awake.

Posted by: commoner on January 20 2010 6:47 PM

Haha palopu! Well said, imo. I have no faith in local transit either. If they want to do park and ride, it certainly should have been organized in that regard.