Is James Bay ready for neighbourhood zero emissions shuttle buses?

By Marg Gardiner

Perhaps the better question is "Is GVHA ready for neighbourhood zero emissions shuttle buses to take cruise-ship passengers from Ogden Point to points in James Bay, downtown, and beyond?"

James Whitney, of Pro-Motion Electric Ltd., has proposed that small low-speed electric-powered vehicles be used for the cruise-passenger shuttle service. The vehicles' electric motors receive power boosts from solar panels mounted on the roof. These vehicles operate at speeds of 35-40 kph and are permitted on roads that have a 50 kph speed limit.

Whitney outlined his plans to residents at the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) December general meeting. His proposal is timely as Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has committed to issuing a RFP (Request for Proposal) for cruise-passenger shuttle services for the upcoming season.

Through the JBNA 2009 Residents Survey, residents of James Bay made it known that traffic quantity, noise, and pollution were top priorities followed by dangerous driving. Tourist buses were also identified as the major source of the traffic congestion and noise. Electric vehicle shuttle service, partnered with marine shuttle service, would greatly reduce the transportation impacts of cruise-tourism on the community of James Bay.

Of the approximately 60% of cruise-ship passengers and crew who disembark, about 25% take the shuttle service.

In addition to exploring options for shuttle bus operations, GVHA has committed to creating a dock to service water shuttle services directly from Ogden Point to the inner harbour causeway.

An even bigger challenge will be to change the large highway buses used to transport cruise-passengers to Butchart Gardens and other points beyond the City. Such excursions, which are pre-sold on the ships, are purchased by about 32% of those who disembark. However, the technology exists and is used in other cities. The JBNA Board of Directors has been advocating the use of hybrid buses, quieter and with lower emissions, for long distance tours.

As GVHA considers proposals from Whitney and other transportation providers, the impacts of their decisions will affect all residents. Victoria's tour-bus operations, be it shuttle, shore-excursion, hop on/off, or sightseeing, have generally not been neighbourhood friendly. GVHA, through their contractual power with local transport providers and with the cruise-ship industry can insist that all cruise-related transportation be the lowest emission and quietest technology available.

The 2013 cruise-ship season starts soon - 10 weeks from now. On April 17, the Zaandam enters port, followed on April 30 by the Crystal Symphony, recipient of the JBNA 2011 Dirty Ship of the Year (Individual Category) Award. May 4 starts the multiple-ship schedule.