On Tuesday the Victoria Regional Transit Commission meeting approved its 2016/17 budget. Current transit service levels will be maintained in Greater Victoria in the coming year, with no increases in property taxes.
“This is great news both for transit users and property owners in the region,” said Saanich Coun. Susan Brice, chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. “We are pleased to approve a budget that maintains service levels and invests in improvements with no increased burden on the taxpayer.”
The Tuesday meeting confirmed further positive developments for transit in the region. The VRTC approved $1.6 million to complete Phase 2b of the southbound bus priority lanes from Tolmie Avenue to Hillside Avenue. Construction for the project may begin as early as fall 2016 and the priority lanes are expected to improve travel times and increase efficiency and ridership.
Additionally, in response to the provincial government’s recent announcement of increased transit funding, the Commission will review possible options to implement transit service expansion in 2017-2018 at their next meeting in June.
On Monday, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also announced a 600-metre extension of the northbound bus lane along Douglas Street between Tolmie Avenue and Saanich Road.