ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 - BC Transit

Progress Against Shareholder’s Letter of ExpectationsThe Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom BC Transit reports, outlines performance expectations in supportof customer needs and government priorities through an annual Shareholder’s Letter of Expectations. The terms of theagreement are reviewed and updated annually. The complete 2008 agreement can be viewed at or on the BC Transit websiteat BC Transit General Information.The key requirements identified for BC Transit for the fiscal year 2008/09 and actions taken are outlined in the table below.Specific Direction to the Corporation BC Transit Actions in 2008/09Provide advice and support to the Shareholder on transitservices and technologies that support government’senvironmental and climate change objectives.BC Transit initiated service expansion and increased ridershipacross the province resulting in higher travel mode share to transit,lower greenhouse gas emissions and less reliance on automobiles.BC Transit partnered with a supplier to demonstrate and test NorthAmerica’s first hybrid double-deck bus in the Victoria region.BC Transit took delivery of 105 new buses, the first in the fleet tomeet the 2007 emission regulations which drastically reduce theallowable amount of particulate matter.BC Transit completed a Diesel Engine Particulate Matter EmissionsReduction Program for Nova, DART and double-deck buses.In support of the Hydrogen Highway initiative, developand place into service in Whistler a fleet of 20 hydrogenpoweredfuel cell buses and associated fuelinginfrastructure.BC Transit issued a Notice to Proceed authorizing the manufactureand delivery for the hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet. The buses willbe delivered to BC Transit in 2009 and will be in use during andafter the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the ResortMunicipality of Whistler, British Columbia. The demonstration fleetof 20 buses will be the world's largest fleet of fuel cell buses in asingle location.Work with VANOC toward the development,implementation and full recovery of the incremental costsof a public transportation plan in support of the 2010Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games that may includeshowing the most advanced transport technology andservice delivery capability possible.BC Transit and VANOC concluded a service level agreement for theOlympic Games, including recovery of the incremental costs of theservices to be delivered.Provide advice and support to the Shareholder inthe development and implementation of transitfunding strategies.BC Transit initiated the corporate strategic plan to reassess how toplan, fund invest, and promote public transportation throughoutthe province. The plan will be finalized in 2009/10 and include aprovince-wide strategic planning process complete with visionand values with input from employees, customers, transit partners,local governments and community leaders.17BC TRANSIT 2008/09 ANNUAL REPORT