Whistler's transit infrastructure is getting a boost thanks to a joint investment from the federal government and Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).
The total spend of $500,000—$400,000 from the feds and $100,000 from the RMOW—will go towards new bus shelters, lighting, benches, and other supporting infrastructure, according to a release.
“Ensuring communities are livable means providing reliable and accessible transit in rural areas, year-round," said MP Patrick Weiler in the release. "We are proud to support this investment in Whistler and will continue working with rural communities across the country to address their unique needs, improving transportation to access services and strengthen community connections.”
Whistler's transit system has surpassed record ridership in the winter over the past five years, and grown significantly throughout the rest of the year, the release noted. The upgrades aim to improve passenger experience, accessibility, and safety, while reducing environmental impacts and traffic congestion, making it easier for both residents and visitors to navigate Whistler.
“This funding helps Whistler take another critical step on its path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately reaching its climate action goals," said Mayor Jack Crompton in the release. "One of our strategies is to help people 'Move beyond the car,' aiming to have 50 per cent of all trips in Whistler be by transit and active transport by 2030. The improvements this funding will enable will be a major boost to our transit system, and we are very grateful to the federal government for its critical support.”
