Business
NextGen Transit Loses West Kootenay Service Contract After 42 Years
After serving the West Kootenay region for 42 years, NextGen Transit, formerly known as Trail Transit, has lost its service contract. BC Transit announced that starting from April 1, PWTransit Canada will take over the transit services.
nn
NextGen Transit, which has been operating since 1982, will cease its operations on March 31. BC Transit awarded the new contract to PWTransit Canada through their standard procurement process. The contract includes both conventional and paratransit service in the West Kootenay Region, which covers communities like Trail, Castlegar, and the Boundary Transit System in Grand Forks.
nn
BC Transit assures that this change in operating companies will not impact transit service in the West Kootenay region. All existing routes and service levels will remain the same.
nn
NextGen Transit’s facility on Old Waneta Road, which houses their operations and fleet, is currently leased by BC Transit, with NextGen having the license to use it. However, starting April 1, this facility will be transitioned to PWTransit Canada. They will take over operational use, customer service, and maintenance of BC Transit buses.
nn
All unionized NextGen Transit employees currently working in public transit will be offered comparable roles with PWTransit Canada, ensuring they retain their employment.
nn
While losing the West Kootenay service contract, NextGen Transit will continue to operate services in the East Kootenay Region, covering communities like Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Elk Valley (Fernie and Sparwood), and Invermere.
nn
BC Transit is also in talks with the City of Nelson regarding the assumption of the Kootenay Lake West paratransit services, which were not included in the newly awarded contract for the West Kootenay region.
nn
PWTransit Canada, part of the Pacific Western Group of Companies, a Canadian-owned corporation with over 5,400 employees, will be taking over the transit services in the West Kootenay region.
