B.C. Transit opened a new distribution centre in Colwood on Wednesday that’s intended to improve efficiency for delivery of parts to its fleet across the province.
It says the 30,000-square-foot warehouse, which replaces container-based storage and leased spaces, will ensure enough parts are in storage to keep buses on the road.
B.C. Transit said a new management system in the $20.6-million warehouse in the Wildcat Industrial Complex on Allandale Road will make it faster for employees to deliver parts to all 58 transit systems. Workers will be able to group multiple orders to consolidate shipping across the province.
The larger warehouse will also be the central hub for storing and distributing parts for B.C. Transit technologies such as Umo, NextRide, CCTV and future electric buses.
Local governments invested $10.2 million in the project, while the province contributed $8.5 million and the federal government $2 million.
Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor, chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, said in a statement the new centre is not just about parts. “A more reliable transit system means people have better access to work, school and services across our region. It is an investment in our future to support our growing communities.”
