Canada and British Columbia are providing a joint investment of over $20.6 million towards a central Provincial Distribution Centre in Colwood.
Funding will upgrade three warehouse spaces in the city to establish a central facility for BC Transit’s provincial bus fleet. The Provincial Distribution Centre, located near two major transit centres, will ensure a high level of bus availability, support fleet maintenance activities, and serve as a centralized space to store parts for different types of buses, including Battery Electric Buses (BEBs).
“BC Transit thanks our government partners for their investment in this important project,” said Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO of BC Transit. “Funding for a central warehouse facility will better support the overall management of our growing provincial fleet, ensuring that we are able to keep our essential transit services running efficiently for our valued customers.”
Once complete, the Provincial Distribution Centre will improve employee safety and working environment by eliminating the need to work outside in bad weather. The Centre will also help BC Transit keep more buses in service, making public transit more reliable and a more desirable option for residents.
“Ensuring the accessibility and reliability of public transit is critical to building a more equitable and sustainable future for all British Columbians,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for British Columbia. “This investment in BC Transit’s Provincial Distribution Centre will help make sure that BC Transit’s fleet of vehicles are on the road and getting British Columbians where they need to go in communities all around the province.”