BC Transit and TransDev renew controversial contract in Okanagan
BC Transit will be renewing its contract with TransDev Canada despite pressure from the Okanagan Transit Alliance and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722 not to do so.
On April 1, the operating contract between BC Transit and TransDev Canada will be renewed, according to an emailed statement from BC Transit. TransDev will be held responsible for the daily management of local transit systems for the next two years.
"Following a thorough review of contractual performance, BC Transit will be extending the term of our operating agreement with TransDev Canada," Jamie Weiss, Media Relations and Public Affairs Advisor for BC Transit, said in an email.
"This extension will cover the Kelowna Regional Transit System, Vernon Regional Transit System, North Okanagan Transit System and Shuswap Regional Transit System for a duration of two years beginning April 1, 2024."
The renewal of this contract has been controversial as the lobby group Okanagan Transit Alliance had been calling for BC Transit to let the contract expire. It said workers are underpaid under TransDev and the company lacks transparency.
"It is alarming that a public service, funded with public dollars, is shrouded in secrecy,” alliance steering committee member Kirstin Pulles said previously.
Similarly, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722, has expressed their discontent with workers' pay despite the company's huge profits. It said poor pay and benefits are the reason local bus drivers are leaving local transit systems.
As for BC Transit, they found TransDev met their standards, and see the partnership as a way of maintaining those standards.
"We are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to meet the high standards and expectations set by BC Transit and our local partners," Weiss said.
TransDev is an international company based out of France that operates public transportation systems in 17 countries.
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