Nicole Huitema Read: Chilliwack Election Transit Questionnaire Response

1. Will you prioritize the opening of a new transit operations facility? The current facilities are holding the city back from growing transit, and adopting a cleaner fleet of transit vehicles.

Yes, Innovations in transportation are needed to impact the greater community in a positive way. A new transit operations facility would have a positive impact on our community and would better support our first nations communities that do not currently have good solutions for transit. A green fleet is the only option as we move forward with new transit vehicles for the city.

2. Will you prioritize the construction of a proper downtown transit exchange? The current setup requires transit vehicles to make large loops around a variety of city blocks and through a number of signalized intersections just to turn around at the end of a route or to switch from one route to another. This is a major detriment to providing frequent and reliable transit. Passengers may need to travel a great distance just to get from one of our current "downtown exchange" stops to another.

Yes, we need to support a better transit system that is timely and efficient for all concerned.

3. Will you support increased service levels and reliability, including on Sunday's & Holidays? People who get around by transit need to do so, even on the weekend. On Sundays, the main route in Chilliwack, route 51 only runs hourly, with a late start and early end.

Yes, we need extended service hours that impact those individuals going to and from work at all hours and days of the week. Also for those going to more rural routes. A reliable transit service will mean increased ridership

4. Will you work to see Handy Dart service extended to weekends? In Chilliwack, people who rely on Handy Dart to get around, are not able to do so except during "normal business hours" Monday-Friday. This is inequitable.

I agree. I am currently working with partners of Chilliwack Healthier Community around equitable and inclusive needs for Handy Dart services in Chilliwack. The stoppage is coming from the Provincial level rather than from the local level. We need to continue to be assertive at the table with our Provincial partners.