BRAMPTON, ON, June 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament for Brampton-West; Vic Dhillon, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton-West; and Susan Fennell, Mayor of Brampton, unveiled the new articulated buses for Züm, Brampton's bus rapid transit (BRT) service today.
"I am pleased that today's unveiling of Züm's new articulated buses brings the City of Brampton one step closer to the launch of BRT service along Steeles Avenue," said MP Seeback. "Our government is proud to invest in key infrastructure projects that create jobs and economic growth in our communities, while cutting commute times and improving public transit in the GTA."
"Our government is investing in important regional transit infrastructure projects like Brampton Züm," said MPP Dhillon. "Our transit investments help build better communities, support our economy, our environment and improve overall quality of life for Ontario families."
"Our commitment to a modern, vibrant, convenient transit system has made Brampton a more attractive place to live, work and do business," said Mayor Fennell. "Züm's success continues to benefit our growing community. I would like to sincerely thank both the federal and provincial governments for partnering with us on this public transit priority."
The new Xcelsior model 60-foot articulated vehicles chosen for Brampton Züm are manufactured by New Flyer Industries in Winnipeg. These BRT vehicles feature clean hybrid diesel-electric technology and boast a 10- to 15-per-cent fuel reduction compared to conventional diesel vehicles. They are lightweight and quiet, and have unique theatre-style seating in the articulated joint and have two rear exit doors. These new vehicles can carry about 40 per cent more passengers than 40-foot vehicles.
The $285-million Brampton Züm project is being delivered in two phases. In addition to the purchase of BRT vehicles, Phase I includes construction of BRT lines on Queen Street completed in September 2010, Main Street completed in September 2011, and Steeles Avenue scheduled for completion in fall 2012. Phase II of the project will expand service along Queen Street and Steeles Avenue, and will introduce service on Bovaird Drive. Completion is expected by the end of 2017.
The Government of Canada has committed up to $95 million for both phases of Brampton's plan. The Province of Ontario has already provided its contribution of $95 million, and the City of Brampton will fund the remaining $95 million in total project costs.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership, and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery, with more than 750,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.
The Government of Ontario has invested $75 billion in infrastructure since 2003, which has helped create and preserve an average of nearly 100,000 jobs each year. Investing in Ontario's roads, highways, transit, hospitals and schools is part of the Government of Ontario's plan to create jobs, grow local economies and ensure the province remains strong and competitive for years to come.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Ottawa
613-991-0700
David Salter
Minister's Office
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Toronto
416-327-1815
Ian Newman
Mayor's Office
City of Brampton
905-874-2628
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Bob Nichols
Communications
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Toronto
416-327-1158
Natalie Daniel
Senior Advisor, Media Communications
City of Brampton
905-874-2837
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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