| January 22, 2009 NEW ERA OF PUBLIC TRANSIT ARRIVES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WHISTLER - The world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses is now in operation, marking the beginning of a new era in zero-emission public transit. The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, BC Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, West Vancouver-Sea To Sky MLA Joan McIntyre and Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed welcomed the buses into service while officially opening BC Transit's new Whistler Transit Centre, which includes the world's largest hydrogen vehicle fuelling station. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in projects that create a stronger economy and a healthier environment," said Minister Day. "The opening of this Hydrogen Bus Maintenance Facility demonstrates how our Government is working together with partners to get shovels in the ground and deliver real results to the people of British Columbia." The hydrogen fuel cell buses produce no smog-creating or greenhouse gas emissions at the tailpipe. The $89.5-million project is jointly funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association. "British Columbia is a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Bond. "We'll showcase our achievement for the world to see during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games - the greenest Olympic Games ever." "Public transit is extremely popular in Whistler," said McIntyre. "And now we have hydrogen fuel cell buses, making the Whistler bus fleet one of the greenest in the world." British Columbia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020. The ultimate goal of the hydrogen fuel cell bus project is to demonstrate for the first time the integration of hydrogen fuel cell buses into the regular operational service of an urban transit system. "The Whistler community is deeply committed to public transit," said Melamed. "Our award-winning transit system has a very high ridership and this new facility will allow our service to continue to grow." "Whistler has been in need of a new operation and maintenance centre for years," said Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of BC Transit. "This facility will meet the expanded needs of today and address the demands of the future." Whistler's transit system has one of the highest riderships of any BC Transit system in the province. It is projected to serve 2.8 million passengers this year. The new Whistler Transit Centre is expected to house the local transit system for the next 40 years. - 30 - | |
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