BC Transit gives large learning tool to VIU

Students in Vancouver Island University’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program have a large new learning tool thanks to BC Transit.

BC Transit donated a retired bus to VIU on Tuesday.

The 1988 MCI Classic went into service at BC Transit on January 1, 1989. BC Transit bus #8928 is road worthy but at the end of an extraordinary service life. It spent most of its 23 years on the road in Victoria, putting in 15 to 18 hour work days.

In its golden years, the 40 foot bus became part of BC Transit’s contingency fleet – a province-wide fleet that provides temporary service in all of the 81 BC Transit systems. The bus has travelled more than 1.2 million kilometres. That’s the equivalent of traveling to the moon and back and to the moon again.

Most BC Transit buses are sent to the shredder at the end of their life. But bus #8928 has a higher purpose in a higher learning institution. Now at VIU, the bus will be a valuable learning tool for students who want to pursue a career as a commercial transportation mechanic.

“The faculty at VIU are extremely pleased to receive this donation from such an important community partner in the transportation industry,” said Fred MacDonald, Dean of Trades & Applied Technology at VIU. “Having this kind of equipment as part of our training fleet gives us the opportunity to provide a richer, more meaningful learning experience for our students.”

“We are always looking for opportunities to promote our industry,” said Manuel Achadinha, President & CEO of BC Transit. “We are proud to partner with Vancouver Island University and their commercial transport mechanics program, which is critical for producing skilled individuals to compliment the industry.”