The Transit Future Bus rolled into Abbotsford on Thursday.
The 40-foot unit will tour Abbotsford and Mission, until May 15, seeking input to help shape the 25 year Transit Future plan for the region.
The plan is being designed to meet the needs of the public and improve transit options in the coming years.
The bus, outfitted with local transit information, provides opportunity for the public to leaveess feedback by completing surveys, discussing issues and even playing a computer game – called The Game Plan – to express ideas.
“In order to increase ridership in the next 25 years, we must continue to work toward our goal of making transit more simple, direct and frequent,” said Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of BC Transit.
Achadinha said it isn’t enough to get feedback from people who ride the bus, he wants non-riders comments as well.
That’s why the bus was created, so it could travel to the community and reach more people than just riders
“We need to know why they don’t use transit and what it will take to get them to use it.
But the feedback isn’t limited to what people want, but how to get it.
“We want to invest in transit, but we want sustainable transit. We are asking people ‘How do you think we should pay for this?’ “
Improvements are being introduced in Abbotsford this summer.
As reported in The News in February, effective July 3, Abbotsford will see an additional 11,700 hours, service on statutory holidays and five extra buses.
The upgrade in hours will result in the entire system starting service earlier, allowing Abbotsford Regional Hospital staff to arrive before the 7 a.m. shift start.
In September, four new routes have been added to streamline service and provide access to a variety of neighbourhoods and schools.
For information on the Abbotsford and Mission Transit Future Plan and to give your input through the online game plan, visit the BC Transit website at www.bctransit.com/transitfuture.