NEWS RELEASE January 21, 2015 For immediate release Cold Lake’s future transit system looks to Calgary for a boost Cold Lake, AB – The City of Cold Lake is taking steps to acquire a fleet of vehicles for the planned launch of a transit service later this year. “Our staff was made aware of an opportunity to purchase used transit buses from Calgary as Calgary Transit has recently upgraded its fleet,” City Chief Administrative Officer, Kevin Nagoya, said. “These surplus buses are in excellent condition and would be a great start for a new transit system. This opportunity would also allow us to start the transit service with minimal capital investment.” Several 40-passenger buses were inspected by City staff with the help of mechanics from Calgary Transit. Six fully equipped buses in frontline condition were selected to consider for Cold Lake’s fleet. “These buses will come pretty much ready to operate,” Nagoya added. “Very little work would be needed to deploy them in a transit service.” The buses have excellent maintenance records and have either been recently refurbished or have had significant preventative replacement of major mechanical systems. If successful, the acquisition will also include a number of replacement parts and equipment for the continued maintenance of the fleet. “The staff at Calgary Transit have been amazing in dealing with our staff members and helping us through this process,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “Starting a new transit service is a big enterprise that can come with a lot of costs and risk – but also a big reward for the people of our community. Calgary Transit’s staff is helping us take a big step towards completing a project that Cold Lake is very excited to see happen.” If successful, the purchase of the six buses is expected to come in at a fraction of the $200,000 capital budget allowance made to purchase two new vehicles to start the transit service. “Six buses are more than we need to start but, thanks to the opportunity we have through Calgary Transit, it’s a luxury we can afford,” Nagoya said. “A fleet of that size will offer us a lot of flexibility in terms of the level of service and programming we can provide. It will also help our staff with maintaining the fleet, having replacement parts, and establishing an affordable capital replacement schedule.” Nagoya briefed councillors about the opportunity at Tuesday’s Corporate Priorities Meeting, including pictures of the buses being considered. He added that the savings on the initial capital investment can be used to purchase other items to support the new transit service, such as bus shelters and other street furniture. “This is an opportunity we are happy our staff saw and are taking advantage of,” Copeland said. “We are also grateful that Calgary Transit has helped us explore this option. If it pans out, it will be a boost to a new service that will make a big impact on our residents’ lives. The need for transit has long been discussed and we hope to deliver an effective service that this community can sustain.” - 30 - coldlake
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:17:03 +0000
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