ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 - BC Transit

iodiesel) during the summer months. In fact, one of oursystems (Penticton) successfully operated with B50.Maintenance programs were reviewed and revised to providesupport to our operating partners and reliability to ourcustomers. Maintenance procedures and programs are beingstandardized and inspections increased to bring high qualityto all areas of operation.Financial innovations during the year improved thecorporation’s performance. In particular, initiativesaimed at ensuring that capital assets are maintained andrenewed throughout their life cycle were implemented.Componentization of fixed and vehicle assets will ensurethat operators and customers continue to have access tohigh quality, reliable vehicles and buildings throughoutasset life-cycles.The expansion of service and continued expectation oflong-term growth has inspired a number of new facility andplanning projects.New and expanded facilities are in the construction orplanning process in several communities including: Nanaimo,Chilliwack, Whistler, Vernon, Kamloops and Kelowna. By usingscalable, component-based designs, BC Transit will reduce thecosts of new facilities to its funding partnersand customers.Master planning processes were initiated in three of thelargest communities BC Transit serves: Victoria, Kelowna andCentral Fraser Valley. Master planning takes the long view(20 to 30 years) toward establishing the customer-focusedservices, facilities, vehicles and supportive environment thatwill result in higher ridership. These long range plans willestablish the framework for five year business plans andcapital investment programs.In Victoria and Kelowna, rapid transit plans are underway.The Victoria Rapid Transit project is a partnership betweenBC Transit, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,Capital Regional District, and the Victoria Regional TransitCommission. The initial planning involved research gatheringas well as preliminary consultation with stakeholder andresidents. Recommendations are expected in 2010.After a comprehensive review, the scope of the KelownaRapid Bus project was re-organized into two phases to movethe project forward. Specifically, Phase 1 will align with theconstruction of the new high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV)along Highway 97.Human Resources programs were revised to continue toattract first rate candidates in a competitive job marketand ensure BC Transit remains an employer of choice.A new recruitment program resulted in a record numberof new employees (113) and lower recruitment costs thanprevious years.Partnership has always been a critical part of BC Transit’ssuccess. This year, partnership was at the forefront throughplanning, implementation and capital investments as well asthrough revenue enhancement.9BC TRANSIT 2008/09 ANNUAL REPORT