Victoria, British Columbia, Canada – June 28, 2005 – Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX Venture: CMH) is pleased to announce that the Company has been awarded a contract worth up to $215,372 from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to manufacture and install 300 of its i-STOP® solar-powered LED bus stops. These units will be installed at selected bus stops along OCTA’s “Nite Owl” routes, which operate 24 hours per day, as well as other pre-determined locations in Orange County.
OCTA is one of the fastest growing transit agencies in the United States, providing public transportation services to approximately 65.7 million passengers annually. OCTA operates 76 bus routes, providing service to all of Orange County as well as several cities in Los Angeles County. With continuous growth in its rider-ship, demand for late night service has increased in recent years. To be responsive to the transit riding public, OCTA implemented twenty-four hour service along some of its most heavily used routes in September 2002. Marketed as “Nite Owl,” this service has been very well received by OCTA passengers.
In May 2003, OCTA purchased sample i-STOP® systems as part of a field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of solar-powered area lighting and schedule illumination to increase passenger security and satisfaction with its “Nite Owl” service. Upon completion of the field trial, a survey determined that more than 80% of operators were in favor of expanding the solar-powered LED bus stop lighting program. In addition, OCTA received several inquiries from the general public and city officials requesting that the program be expanded. A public RFP followed the successful field trial in winter 2004. Carmanah was selected by OCTA officials as the most responsive provider.
“This rollout order from OCTA is a direct result of the proven performance and reliability of our i-STOP® technology,” states Carmanah’s CEO, Art Aylesworth. “We are extremely pleased with the results of the pilot program, and we look forward to working as a technology partner with OCTA to enhance its successful ‘Nite Owl’ program.”
In the last month, contracts received for the next generation of the i-STOP®, now with self-illuminating, ADA compliant buttons, total over 1100 units.
For more information about Carmanah’s unique transit shelter and bus stop lighting solutions, please visit www.transitlights.com or contact:
United States & Canada
Marion Randell
#4 – 203 Harbour Road
Victoria, BC, Canada V9A 3S2
Toll-Free: 1-877-722-8877
Phone: (250) 380-0052
Fax: (250) 389-0040