2000 to 2003

Y2K preparations a success
Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) experiences minimal Y2K difficulties due to the thorough work of the information systems and services department.

CMBC logo is introduced
The blue-and-yellow logo includes a yellow circle denoting world-class service (the circle represents the globe), as well as buses and SeaBus (the steering wheel of a bus and the steering mechanism of a SeaBus). A double, curved blue-and-white ribbon denotes transit routes, including roads and SeaBus routes. The blue also represents the waves on which SeaBus travels.

First anniversary celebrated
Coast Mountain Bus Company celebrates with distribution of a new employee pin on April 10.

New paint booth
Burnaby Transit Centre’s new oversize paint booth is designed for work on articulated buses. The booth is 18 feet high by 16 feet wide by 80 feet long.

Academic credit for workplace training
CMBC becomes the first company in British Columbia to receive academic credit for workplace training. Completion of the Human Resources department’s Leadership Series now equals university credits from the Open Learning Agency (OLA).

Award for support of historic railway project
The City of Vancouver recognizes CMBC for its ongoing support of the Downtown Historic Railway with a Gold Level Supporter certificate on May 31.

New bus stop signs
The blue, yellow and grey signs are unveiled at Burnaby’s Edmonds Station on June 7. New signs will appear at more than 8,000 bus stops to coincide with regular service and maintenance cycles.

New stroller policy
CMBC no longer requires the removal of infants or small children from strollers when boarding buses.

July 1 rescue
SeaBus crew aboard the Burrard Otter rescue two men who ended up in Vancouver Harbour after overturning their dinghy off Cates pier. The crew and terminal coordinator receive commendations.

Richmond Transit Centre completed
An open house draws an estimated 1,000 visitors on the weekend of August 25-26. Transit service out of the new Richmond Transit Centre begins Monday, September 4.

Kootenay Loop gets new look
The loop undergoes a major overhaul, making it more user-friendly for both customers and employees.

Lions Gate Bridge closures begin
In September, North Shore commuters turn to CMBC bus and SeaBus service during the first of many Lions Gate Bridge deck replacement project closures. Bridge decking is completed on Monday, October 1, 2001.

SeaBus rescue. On November 1, a twin-engine float plane crashes with 15 people onboard. SeaBus deploys a rescue boat to pick up the passengers, all of whom survive.

Toys for Tots
Annual employee campaign collects 2,719 new toys for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau for local children in need.

Workplace Hazardous Materials information system
A computerized system is introduced to benefit safety at CMBC’s widely located maintenance and support facilities.

Company website redesigned
On January 15, a new-look Coast Mountain Bus Company website is introduced.

New buses arriving
Low-floor New Flyer Industries buses and Orion V high-floor highway coaches will service 98 B-Line and Express Bus routes respectively.

Electronic farebox installation begins
The first stage of installation of new electronic farebox system begins on February 16. The advanced Integrated Fare Collection Unit is manufactured by Cubic Systems of Tennessee. A digital display shows the exact amount of coins deposited ensuring the correct fare has been deposited. It automatically issues magnetic encoded machine-readable tickets and transfers.

Bus strike
Beginning April 1st, affecting bus and SeaBus service. On August 1st, the bus strike ends with provincial legislation enacted.

Earth Award recognizes environmental leadership.
CMBC receives the 2001 Earth Award, existing building category, from the Building Owner and Manager Association - B.C. Branch (BOMA). The award recognizes efforts to implement environmentally conscious and efficient buildings.

History Wall a winner
The 2001 Dalton Pen Communications Award of Excellence in the poster category is awarded to Coast Mountain Bus Company for the Transit History Wall. Three posters blend historic photos taken from CMBC’s photo archives, representing transit in The Early Years (1890-1961), The Later Years (1961-1999), and The Now Years (1999 to 2003).

98 B-Line service begins
Rapid bus service begins in Richmond on August 7.

SeaBus accommodates record ridership
On Wednesday, August 8, SeaBus carried more than 42,000 passengers. The high ridership resulted from three free fare days, introduction of new 98 B-Line service, and the final night of Celebration of Light fireworks.

New President and CEO appointed
Denis Clements, 35-year veteran of the Canadian transportation industry, is appointed in October 2001.

New Mission Rolled Out
April 5 CMBC moved ahead with a new mission statement, core values and goals built upon employee involvement, cost effectiveness, continuous improvement and customer focus.CMBC's New Mission recognizes CMBC's need to be competitive in the Greater Vancouver market.

CMBC Awarded White Rock/South Surrey Community Shuttle
Keeping with its mission to become the service provider of choice, CMBC introduced "Community Shuttle" service in September 2002, which provides a neighbourhood-friendly mini-bus service in the White Rock / South Surrey area. With ever-expanding public and local business support, this customer-focused small bus service has proven an overwhelming success as customers experience seamless connections with existing transit services.

Fares Increase
April 1, TransLink increased fares on cash, FareSaver and day passes for CMBC operated buses and SeaBuses. Monthly FareCard Fares have not changed and remain the best value.

SeaBus Celebrates Its 100-Millionth Passenger
April 12 one lucky passenger was awarded a transit pass and a gift package in a ceremony at Waterfront Station that honoured the 100-Millionth Passenger. This is a real milestone for the marine attendants, coordinators, masters, mates, engineers, and administration responsible for ensuring the two SeaBus vessels (Burrard Beaver and Burrard Otter) crossed the inlet more than 40,000 times each year since 1977, achieving 99.9 percent reliability.

Group Pass Adds Value to Adult FareCards
Effective May 5, TransLink launched a Group Pass program that allows two adults, seniors or students using a Monthly Adult FareCard (or an Annual Employer Transit Pass, or a West Coast Express 28-Day pass) to board transit with up to four children (under 14) on Sundays and statutory holidays at no additional cost.

Buses are Integrated with the New Millennium Line
The Millennium Line Bus system integration in the Tri-Cities and Burnaby areas September 2 involved the most substantial bus system infrastructure changes in the history of Lower Mainland Transit. Thanks in large part to CMBC employee's efforts planning, scheduling and informing our customers of the many changes, the implementation was tremendously successful.

CMBC Sends a Team to International Bus Rodeo Competition
A team of CMBC employees successfully demonstrated their safe-driving skills and maintenance disciplines as they competed in six separate events at the 27th Annual APTA International Bus Roadeo September 11 to 22, finishing 10th overall out of 51 competing transit properties in North America.

CMBC Teams Up With Crime Stoppers October 2002
When CMBC employees or customers call 1-800-222-8477 with information about criminal activity, tips will be evaluated by Crime Stoppers then forwarded to local authorities for investigation. Tips leading to an arrest and charge will be eligible for cash rewards up to $2000.

United Way Donations Top $158,000
CMBC employees and their bargaining units have again shown tremendous community spirit and generosity by donating to this year's United Way Campaign.

2002 Banner Year for Toys for Tots
CMBC and TransLink employees surpassed all other Toys for Tots campaigns by donating over 2660 toys and $830 in cash.

BC Transit Employee and Family Pass Replaced
Former BC Transit Passes used by employees and family members have been digitally updated to display the CMBC logo and photographs on a new style plastic card. Old style BC Transit passes will no longer be valid on the system after December 31st.

CMBC Begins Operating West Coast Express TrainBus
Marking a new era of competitiveness at CMBC, the company won its first external service contract to provide TrainBus service for West Coast Express customers. Since it's inception January 6, this venture has proven exceedingly successful as ridership continues to grow.