August 29, 2010 - 7:52am
A new transit exchange at Vancouver Island University is ready for the busy fall semester.
Buses switch over to the new transit exchange on Fourth Street at the Nanaimo campus Sept. 7.
The transit exchange, part of VIU’s award-winning Campus Master Plan, includes operational design features that will double capacity, improve safety and save energy.
The entire $595,000 cost of the project was covered through a Federal Gas Tax grant issued to the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).
“By working together with the RDN, we achieved our goal of moving the transit exchange to a new location and improving operational infrastructure and efficiencies,” said Ric Kelm, Executive Director, Facilities, Services and Campus Development.
“This is a great example of how a partnership between the RDN and VIU is of mutual benefit for all citizens of the central Vancouver Island region, including students and staff. This project further enhances VIU’s sustainability program by providing options to travel to and from the campus, as opposed to reliance on single occupant vehicles.”
“Students and bus riders throughout the region are going to love the new transit exchange at VIU,” said Regional Transit Select Committee Chair Larry McNabb. “It’s modern, safer, and energy efficient. The new location on Fourth Street will speed up bus routes to the VIU campus.”
“I want to thank the Government of Canada for funding this project, and I'd like to thank VIU for working with the RDN to get the new exchange installed just in time for fall classes.”
The new transit exchange is located at the former Parking Lot “P”, between Building 255 (International) and Building 300 (Administration).
L.E.D. lighting inside bus shelters and 21 large outdoor light fixtures installed around the exchange will save energy.
“These changes will reduce the amount of energy used by 75 per cent,” said Drew Taylor, Planner with Facilities Services. The well-lit bus shelters, controlled pedestrian crosswalks and traffic-calming design will help make the area safer for transit riders and pedestrians.
“There’s also an overall improved design and appearance of the new bus shelters, landscaping, and road and sidewalk surfaces to make the area more attractive.”
The transit exchange allows room to double capacity from two bus stops to four, and includes a bus parking area so transit drivers can stop for short breaks, which is favorable in high-volume traffic.
Some minor elements of the new transit exchange are still to be completed. Other work related to the overall transit exchange design will be developed in the future as funding becomes available.
Facilities Services and Campus Development thanks the VIU community and the public for their patience during the construction phase, which took only two weeks.
Tags: In the Community
