You 诲辞苍鈥檛 know what 测辞耻鈥檝别 got until 颈迟鈥檚 gone, should have been the slogan for the transit strike earlier this year.

Buses may never be lauded for being the sexiest way to get around town, but they proved to be invaluable when contract talks between the Amalgamated Transit Union and First Canada ground to a halt in November.

The strike was set off by what the union deemed to be an unfair pay system 鈥� those who drove shorter buses were paid a lower wage 鈥� and salaries that fell below provincial averages.

Once buses stopped rolling their absence was felt most acutely by seniors, school-aged children and university students.

The breakdown in service also showed how well-used the service was by families.

So, when the city brokered talks, the two parties came to an agreement and bus service resumed, passengers rejoiced.

Bus rides on the transit system were free until the end of November 鈥� a gesture B.C. Transit said is to thank customers for their patience during the labour dispute.

Buses also got smarter and safer this year.

The City of 琉璃神社 signed a memorandum of understanding Dec. 12 to introduce a new Real Time information system.

鈥淏颁 Trans颈迟鈥檚 commitment to implementing new technologies means a safer, more efficient 别虫辫别谤颈别苍肠别,鈥� said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-琉璃神社.

鈥凌颈诲别谤蝉 will be able to see in real time where the next bus is, when it should arrive 鈥� and know that when they get on board, 迟丑别测鈥檒濒 be 蝉补蹿别.鈥�

Continued technological enhancements to buses include:

鈥� Closed circuit TV (CCTV), to increase the safety of passengers and drivers.

鈥� Real Time information about where buses are located to make service more convenient

鈥� Automatic passenger counters enabling BC Transit to optimize service delivery based on precise and timely data.