Electric Buses to Transform Capital Region
The next chapter in BC Transit’s sustainability journey is underway. The first 10 electric buses are coming to the Victoria Regional Transit system later this year, marking the start of BC Transit’s transformation to an entirely electric fleet by 2040.
In December of 2022, BC Transit welcomed the delivery of an electric demonstration bus that is helping the organization ensure a smooth transition as it adopts electric buses into the fleet. Behind the scenes, BC Transit has been using the electric demonstration bus to develop new procedures, train employees, and validate routes.
The electric demonstration bus is expected to enter service
later this spring and BC Transit will share more about where and when customers can ride it soon.
BC Transit’s new electric buses are due to arrive later this year. Customers can expect a smooth, quiet ride on buses that look and feel very much like other BC Transit buses already on the road.
Infrastructure construction to support the electric buses started in April at BC Transit’s Victoria Gorge Road location. Infrastructure includes 10 charging dispensers, power distribution equipment, and one overhead charger for high-speed charging and testing.
To learn more about BC Transit’s sustainability initiatives, including electric buses, please visit: https://www.bctransit.com/ about/sustainability
Your Opinion Matters! Be a par t of BC Transit’s Voice of the Rider Panel Visit: bctransit.com/voiceoftherider 2 | SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023 TIMES COLONIST | Think Green
Triders in the Capital Region will soon benefit from new electric buses
ransit
Calling for a fair and sustainable province
“It seems we have all the solutions, all the data, we know what needs to be done and yet none of the political [parties] will do it.”
This was one of the many comments we got on social media from frustrated British Columbians. We continuously hear from people who are ready for real change and desperate for creative, innovative solutions to the climate crisis. We have to show those people that their voice matters and they’re not alone in feeling disappointed about where we’re at in the fight against climate change. The good news is that the people of BC are adaptable, educated, and see real leadership
in environmental stewardship.
The power for change lies in the hands of voters.
Premier Eby said it himself, “we cannot continue to expand fossilfuel infrastructure and hit our climate goals.”
And yet the BC NDP government continues to invest in massive fossil-fuel projects that make it impossible for us to reach our climate targets.
The pandemic showed us how we can collectively adapt in times of crisis, how we can come together with one common goal. We need a government that will utilize that power to make lasting positive change. We need a government that will make decisions for now
and for the future, not just on behalf of the present.
Thinking Green doesn’t just mean holding ourselves accountable. It means so much more than avoiding singleuse plastics and unplugging appliances. Thinking Green means calling for a fair and sustainable province for everyone, where we can all be safe, happy, and look forward to a future without the climate pressures of today. It’s about holding leadership accountable and reminding them of the promises they made to get their votes. Now is the time for real change. Become a member of the BC Green Party at www.bcgreens.ca
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Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Greens
BC’s Used Oil Recycling Program Celebrates 20 Years
Amajority of British Columbians don’t give much thought to what happens to their used motor oil a er an oil change. And that’s okay, because by taking their vehicle to be serviced at a licensed lube shop or local dealership, they’ve already ensured their used oil will be recycled by Interchange Recycling.
A er 20 years of operating as BC Used Oil Management Association, the organization responsible for the safe collection and recycling of used motor oil around the province recently re-branded to Interchange Recycling, but that hasn’t changed their mandate or their goals.
“Our new name better reflects our business, our members and our future,” said David Lawes, CEO, Interchange Recycling. “We’ve been providing British Columbians with an ecofriendly and cost-e ective way to recycle used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze and antifreeze containers for 20 years but we’re always examining new automotive and industrial products to bring into our recycling process.”
Used motor oil can be new again.
Every year, Interchange Recycling recycles about 50 million litres of oil, 6 million oil filters, 3 million litres of antifreeze and 1.7 million kilograms of plastic containers. While 94% of that comes from commercial facilities, the organization also provides a network of recycling centres for the public where program materials are accepted for recycling at no cost.
“Year over year, we are becoming increasingly aware that throwing away or dumping oil products, not only harms the environment, but also wastes a valuable non-renewable resource,” said Lawes. “One of the unique features of the BCUOMA program is the significant environmental, economic, and social benefits the program delivers. The management of program materials, through partnerships with the registered processors, has the potential to achieve goals and objectives in the areas of sustainability, circular economy, CO2 reductions, carbon o sets, zero waste and pollution prevention.”
So what happens to the products collected by Interchange Recycling? Used motor oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products. Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs while used antifreeze is refined into new automotive antifreeze.
To find the nearest drop o location, along with tips on how to collect and store your program materials, please visit https://interchangerecycling.com/ find-a-recycling-centre
Get started at interchangerecycling.com Trends may come and go but recycling used motor oil, filters, antifreeze and containers is here to stay Especially when it’s safe, free & easy So then it’s a cinch to make what’s old, new again
And again. And again. And again. And again. 4 | SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023 TIMES COLONIST | Think Green
