C-TRAN announced today that it will launch its new bus rapid transit system, The Vine, with a family-friendly celebration on Saturday, January 7 at the new Vancouver Mall Transit Center.
The grand opening event begins at 12:30 p.m. with several guest speakers, followed by a street fair-style event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend the celebration and take the opportunity to ride along the corridor in one of the new 60-foot articulated buses that have become a hallmark of The Vine.
"As C-TRAN celebrates the opening of The Vine, and we reflect on the nearly six-year process to bring this project to fruition, we also want to celebrate our customers," said Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO. "Our riders are the reason we undertake any project, large or small. The Vine is designed to improve reliability, mobility and capacity on C-TRAN's busiest corridor, getting people where they need to go quickly and efficiently. We believe it will change the face of public transit in Clark County and the region."
The Vine is the first bus rapid transit system in the Portland-Vancouver metro area, bringing an innovative and cost-effective approach to transit service. The system provides many passenger amenities not available on traditional bus routes, such as off-board fare payment, level boarding, on-board bike racks, easy securement of mobility devices, greater capacity for passenger seating, and traffic signal priority.
The Vine officially begins operation on Sunday, January 8, and provides service between Vancouver Mall and downtown Vancouver, primarily along Fourth Plain Boulevard. As part of the project, the Vancouver Mall Transit Center is being relocated to the south side of the mall. C-TRAN staff and volunteers will be stationed along The Vine corridor the entire first week of operation to assist passengers and answer any questions they may have.
About the Agency
C-TRAN is the regional public transportation provider for portions of Clark County. It offers local bus service within its Clark County service area, Limited bus service to the nearest MAX light rail station, and Express commuter service to downtown Portland. It also provides Connector service within the city limits of Camas, La Center, and Ridgefield. For more information on C-TRAN please visit C-TRAN’s Web site at www.c-tran.com, or call Customer Service at (360) 695-0123.
Contact: Christine Selk, Communication and Public Affairs Manager/PIO
(360) 906-7314 Office
(360) 619-8742 Cell