The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA)  has announced a number of proposed action items for the 2016 cruise ground transportation operations and has leased a fully electric double-decker bus for one year starting in April.

The proposed action items include:  Improvements around permit requirements and safety and inspection considerations in concert with stakeholders. Furthering discussions around designated vehicle routing with the City of Victoria, the residents of James Bay and other stakeholders. Evaluate options for improvements to the walk-ability and way-finding measures, in partnership with the City of Victoria and operators, to and from Ogden Point, including pedestrian signage, biking and bike rentals, and walking tours.  Explore new technology in an effort to modernize bus fleets, including an all-electric bus. And introducing new fee structures to encourage modernization of transportation options and analysis of the fee model moving forward.

The proposed actions follow several months of work by the GVHA and key stakeholders, taking into account the social, economic and environmental components surrounding  transportation options for cruise passengers and crew ground transportation to and from Ogden Point.

Last summer, the port also brought a consulting firm onboard, Dilllon Consulting, that it said has helped develop a reasonable and achievable strategy for motorized and non-motorized ground transportation with short, medium and long-term action items.

Victoria’s cruise traffic contributes more than $100 million annually to the regional economy. The 2016 season kicks off on April 3 with the arrival of the Star Princess and concludes on Oct. 28. Some 228 calls are expected.