Hey Bowen Island! Exciting news—the first of three brand-new community shuttles has arrived.

Vehicle number 17549 entered service this past Wednesday on the C10 Bluewater and C11 Eagle Cliff routes after First Transit operators and management received a thorough operating orientation.

Over the next several weeks, the other two buses (vehicle numbers 17550 and 17551) will be commissioned and delivered.

These new 2017 Girardin G5 buses, manufactured in Quebec and built on a GM G4500 chassis, accommodates 20 seated passengers plus four standees and has space for two wheelchairs. They replace the existing 2012 models that have reached the end of their service life.

What’s new?

• Improved interior, rear-mounted air conditioning unit and passenger heating system, upgraded front-mounted bike rack and an improved electronic destination sign
• Larger passenger windows and upgraded emergency exits
• A fold-up passenger seat, located immediately behind the operator, for storing strollers and large items
• Improved seat covers that are more comfortable and easier to clean (identical to conventional buses)
• An interior and exterior LED light package
• A 6.0-litre Vortec fuel efficient, low-emission gas engine

What do you think about the new community shuttle buses? Let us know at translink.ca/feedback.

Author: Allen Tung