Vancouver, B.C.—TransLink operating companies—Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) and BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC)—are now communicating on the E-Comm Wide-Area Radio Network, the largest emergency radio network in British Columbia.
BCRTC officially cut over to the radio network at 0315hrs on August 13, 2023, joining CMBC which completed its transition in 2022. This marks a milestone for public transit in Metro Vancouver, as SkyTrain, SeaBus and bus operators are now able to communicate seamlessly with Metro Vancouver Transit Police and other emergency service agencies already on E-Comm’s multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system.
Public transportation is a critical resource for people across Metro Vancouver, and this transition not only enhances TransLink’s ability to manage its fleet and better serve the public, but the increased interoperability between transit staff and first responders also enhances the safety of its riders.
“We are excited Coast Mountain Bus Company and British Columbia Rapid Transit Company have joined our radio network,” says Tony Gilligan, E-Comm Vice President of Technology Services. “This partnership will provide TransLink with increased radio coverage and clear access to other public safety organizations that will improve the emergency response, when needed, throughout the transit system.”
“TransLink considers safety for customers our number one priority,” says Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO. “I am extremely happy to note that this partnership with E-Comm will result in seamless communication between our operating companies and Transit Police and other emergency service agencies leading to better safety on our system.”
Spanning from Lions Bay to Abbotsford, more than 40 police, fire, ambulance and municipal agencies are using the E-Comm Wide-Area Radio Network. The network has about 15,000 active or available radios. In 2022, radio system users made more than 54 million transmissions on the network.
-30-
About E-Comm
E-Comm is the first point of contact for 9-1-1 callers in 25 regional districts in British Columbia and provides dispatch services for more than 70 police agencies and fire departments across the province. E‐Comm also owns and operates the largest multi‐jurisdictional, tri‐service, wide‐area radio network in the province used by police, fire and ambulance personnel throughout Metro Vancouver and parts of the Fraser Valley.
Media contact
E-Comm
604-215-6248
[email protected]