Communities in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) will receive five upgraded and new transit exchanges and other system upgrades to improve transit access and safety, thanks to a combined investment of more than $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the Comox Valley Regional District.
Announced by Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard, Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton, and BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton, this project will support transit services while fostering growth in the area.
Funding will construct or upgrade transit exchanges in five locations in the CVRD: south Courtenay, downtown Courtenay, Oyster River, downtown Comox, and North Island College campus. Each new and rehabilitated exchange will include concrete bus bays or curb areas that can accommodate heavy-duty buses and future on-street battery-electric bus charging. The project will also include improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure, new bike racks, and the construction of operator facilities.
Once completed, the project will enhance the passenger experience and service operations while facilitating service increases and ridership growth. It will also support the economic and population growth of downtown Courtenay and Comox. Both communities are working to address housing shortages and transit is key to supporting higher density.
Investing in public transit infrastructure creates more inclusive communities and enhances the quality of life for users of transit services by ensuring that everyone is connected to housing, jobs, services, amenities, and their greater communities.
