Port and CVS Tours to test the vehicle's suitability for cruise tours at Ogden Point terminal
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is to trial North America’s first purpose-built, fully electric double-decker bus at Ogden Point cruise terminal in 2017.
GVHA is working with CVS Cruise Victoria (CVS Tours) and GreenPower Motor Company to evaluate electric bus transportation for the cruise tourism industry.
“We’re excited to unveil this fully electric double-decker bus and get it into service,” said Ian Robertson, CEO of GVHA. “We’re committed to testing and evaluating new technologies and new ideas in ground transportation, and this will be an excellent pilot, helping us to plan into the future.”
Both GVHA and CVS Tours entered into a lease agreement with GreenPower to pilot the 99-seat bus for one year. The pilot programme will evaluate the feasibility of electric bus transportation, with a focus on cost of operations, emissions reduction, noise reduction and charging station requirements.
“This new bus represents a commitment on the part of CVS and its partners to the environment, community and the future,” said Dave Roberts, acting general manager of CVS Tours. “We are hopeful that this pilot deployment project proves to be a success and will help to lead the industry. This technology has never been implemented in Victoria before and we are very keen to put it through a test year.”