Facility will increase capacity and flexibility for GO Bus service in Durham Region
OSHAWA, ON, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - GO Transit officially opened its new Oshawa Bus Services Facility today to improve GO Bus service in Durham Region.
The $52 million facility will centralize service and reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for Durham Region buses to travel to Steeprock or Streetsville for storage and maintenance.
"Durham Region and the City of Oshawa have been experiencing significant commuter ridership growth, and GO Transit is committed to doing its part to provide more frequent and flexible transit options," said Paul Finnerty, Metrolinx Vice President of GO Operations. "This new facility will help provide more reliable service to existing customers and encourage more people to choose GO services."
"This is great news for commuters in Durham," said Joe Dickson, MPP for Ajax-Pickering. "The new 160,000 square foot bus services facility will allow GO Transit to store and maintain up to 68 buses. This means better, faster and more reliable GO Bus service for local families."
Targeted for LEED gold certification, the facility also includes many eco-friendly features, including a green roof, solar panels to help power the building, and a rain water harvesting system to irrigate the green roof.
The site of the facility also has great historical significance as a former allied training camp for spies during World War II, called Camp X. Famous Camp X trainees include Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming.
The new facility enables GO to make service enhancements which further Metrolinx's regional transportation plan, The Big Move, making GO a faster, more frequent and more convenient transit option. GO Transit is Metrolinx's regional public transit system linking the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. GO carries about 62 million passengers a year in an extensive network of train and bus services that spans more than 11,000 square kilometres. Metrolinx is an agency of the Ontario Government. For more information on GO services, visit gotransit.com or follow GO on Twitter and Facebook.
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OSHAWA BUS SERVICES FACILITY
The Oshawa bus services facility was built to meet increasing demand and to centralize GO Transit service in Durham Region and the surrounding areas, where significant growth is expected.
The facility will improve GO Bus service and serve as a major node for the buses operating within Durham Region. At more than 160,000 square feet, this facility is one of GO Transit's largest full-service bus centres and will accommodate the changing needs of customers.
Features
- storage capacity for 68 buses (56 indoors and 12 outdoors)
- indoor fueling, bus wash and repair shop areas
- employee facilities, including training centres and designated meeting rooms
- will accommodate approximately 185 employees
- built on a historically significant site, known as Camp X, an allied training camp for spies during World War II
Green and Innovative Initiatives
- solar panels
- green roof and accompanying rain water irrigation system
- high efficiency heating and lighting equipment
- bus wash water recycling system to reduce water consumption
- technology that produces heat during the course of producing electricity
The Oshawa building and site was designed and constructed to LEED standards to reflect GO Transit's strong commitment to the environment and well-being of its employees and neighbours. The project is on target to achieve the LEED Gold certification from Canada Green Building Council.
About Metrolinx
Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated.
Find out more about The Big Move, Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA at www.metrolinx.com. Find out more about GO Transit at www.gotransit.com.
SOURCE: GO Transit
Media enquiries:
Vanessa Thomas, Metrolinx
Media Relations
416-874-5974
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