ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 - BC Transit

Renewal and GrowthThroughout the province, BC Transit services experiencedunprecedented ridership demand - an increase of more thansix per cent during 2008/09. This increase is influenced bygrowing concern for climate change and the environment,the costs of driving, and indicates the success of improvedand expanded transit service.In 2008/09, BC Transit implemented 116,000 more annualservice hours involving 22 of 81 transit systems, rangingfrom major centres like Victoria and Abbotsford to smallercommunity services such as Quesnel and Alberni Clayoquot.The Mount Waddington Transit System serving Port Hardyand Port McNeil was introduced through a partnership withVancouver Island Health Authority.BC Transit’s fleet also expanded to 958 vehicles with low-floor,energy efficient, environmentally-friendly transit technology.By 2010, BC Transit services will be 100 per centwheelchair accessible.The Provincial Transit Plan set a goal to double BC Transitridership by 2020. The Transit Plan is a major element in theProvince’s climate action efforts to achieve the greenhousegas reduction goals by increasing transit ridership, reducingautomobile use and providing transportation infrastructureto support the development of healthier communities. Tomeet these goals and integrate transit into stronger, moresustainable communities, BC Transit began undertaking atop-to-bottom renewal along with continued focus on social,economic and environmental objectives.To give BC Transit a contemporary and appealing look,the organization introduced a new livery. As buses in ourexpanding fleet arrived sporting bright new colours,BC Transit’s role as an integral part of our communities wasnoticed by riders, residents and businesses. BC Transit’s newbrand conveys an active, growing company embracingboth change and challenges for the future, and linkingour communities, businesses and lifestyles. The consistentexpression of BC Transit’s brand increases its value for allpartners across the province and accurately represents ourcompany’s synergies of effective and efficient service delivery.In 2008/09, 22 transit systemsexpanded their service:Alberni ClayoquotCentral Fraser ValleyComox Valley handyDARTCowichan Valley CommuterDawson CreekFort St. John handyDARTKamloopsKelownaKelowna handyDARTNanaimo handyDARTNorth OkanaganPrince GeorgePrince George handyDARTQuesnelSea to SkyShuswapSmithersSquamishVictoriaVictoria handyDARTWhistlerWilliams Lake7BC TRANSIT 2008/09 ANNUAL REPORT