Attachment 4: Letter from Victoria Regional Transit Commission - January 30, 2018

Re: OCP and Re-zoning application at 2401 Burnside Road East – handyDART Operation and Maintenance Facility

Public transit is a key component of the region’s transportation network, supporting our shared desire to create economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and livable communities by connecting people at a local and regional scale.

A Transit Future Plan describing the transportation goals of the region, as well as the services, infrastructure and investments that are needed to get there, was endorsed by local government councils in 2011. The Transit Future Plan was based on land use and transportation plans including the Regional Growth Strategy, Regional Transportation Plan and Official Community Plans.

Improved transit services envisioned in the Transit Future Plan include both fixed route transit service and demand-responsive transit services, branded as handyDART. handyDART is an accessible, door-to-door transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using conventional or fixed-route transit without assistance. This service allows people with mobility issues better access to their community and the services within it. The existing service supports approximately 1,300 to 1,500 passenger trips per day.

As the population ages, the demand for custom transit services grows. Like many communities, the Capital Region’s transit system is experiencing significant capacity constraints, meaning that a growing number of custom transit riders are not able to get the trips they need or that they are required to reserve travel far in advance. The need to invest in critical transit facilities was identified as a priority in the approved Transit Future Plan.

The existing handyDART operations and maintenance facility located on Glanford Avenue is operating well beyond its design capacity. With demand increasing, a new facility is needed to operate existing services more efficiently, better meet the service needs of the community and allow for future system growth.

The land under consideration in your community is required to support the construction of a modern, enhanced handyDART operations and maintenance facility. The land is ideally located to support the growing demand and demographics of the Region. The Victoria Regional Transit Commission seeks your ongoing support to ensure public transit remains a viable and attractive transportation choice for residents of View Royal and the region as a whole.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Brice, Chair Victoria Regional Transit Commission

cc: Commission Members