The GERTIE crew with the new electric bus in the old fire hall, where GERTIE buses go to be maintained, cleaned, and made ready to serve Gabriolans. Holding the charging cable is Trevor Gear, GERTIE Coordinator. In the driver’s seat is Craig Tuohy, Assistant Coordinator. Going L-R are GERTIE Board members Peter Briscoe; Pat Lapcevic; Steven Earle, Roger Bouchard; and Susan Yates. Missing from photo but essential in getting the two new electric buses is Director Helen Cook. Derek Kilbourn photo.
Gabriola Community Bus Foundation
The Gabriola Community Bus Foundation has taken delivery of the first of two new electric buses.
These Canadian-manufactured vehicles have seating for 18, and will go five times around the island on a single charge. What’s more, they are powered, in part, by the GERTIE solar panels on the roof of the old fire hall.
This project has been made possible through generous funding from the federal and provincial governments.
According to board member, Steven Earle, “This is particularly satisfying for us because the original goal of the GERTIE bus was to reduce Gabriola’s transportation-related pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“We started out using waste vegetable oil in our buses, and then switched over to biodiesel. But the vehicles we have been using for the past few years are not compatible with biofuels, so we were stuck with fossil fuels. With these buses—the first brand-new buses that we have ever owned—we can now provide a truly clean and quiet transportation option for Gabriolans.”
Look out for the new buses on all of the GERTIE routes, early mornings, mid-day, and late afternoons.
See www.gertie.ca for schedules. Everyone under 14 rides for free.
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