Work has wrapped up on the northbound bus and bike lanes along Douglas Street from Hillside Avenue to Tolmie Street.
The priority lanes, a BC Transit infrastructure project designed in partnership with the City of Victoria, were created to shorten travel times for passengers, increase the use of public transit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the number of vehicles on the road. Bus stop locations were modified to best serve passengers who ride along this corridor.
Phase 1 of the project (north and southbound lanes between Fisgard Street and Hillside Avenue) was completed in June 2014. Phase 2 will enable bus riders and cyclists heading northbound on Douglas to have efficient access to a speedier commute home with the lanes operating from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, from Hillside Avenue to Tolmie Avenue.
“Efficient and convenient transportation is important to everyone in our region. The completion of Phase 2 shows our commitment to making transit the best choice for our communities,” said Susan Brice, chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. “These new lanes are a fantastic beginning to an integrated transit corridor connecting the downtown to the western communities.”
BC Transit president and CEO Manuel Achadinha said Phase 2 is another step to fulfilling the vision of the Douglas Street priority lanes.
“Customers have asked for more direct and efficient transit service to better connect and support our communities in the Capital region,” said Achadinha.