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News & Publications - What's New

News Release Archive

Welcome to the AirCare news release archive. The AirCare program regularly sends press releases to keep our stakeholders, the media and the public up-to-date on general AirCare information.

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AirCare Program To Accept Major Credit and Debit Cards

(Feb-09-2000)

VANCOUVER - Beginning January 1st, 2000, motorists taking their vehicles through AirCare test lanes in Greater Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley will be able to pay their fees with Visa, MasterCard and Debit card.

Martin Lay, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Vehicle Testing Technologies Ltd., the TransLink subsidiary company who administers the program, said today that credit cards and debit cards will be accepted starting January 1, 2000, the same date a previously-announced fee increase takes effect.

"Many drivers have asked us to accept credit cards and debit cards, and we are happy to be able to provide that convenience for them," says Mr. Lay.

Another major change is the extension to the exemption period for new vehicles from one year to two years. As a result, 1999 and 2000 model year vehicles are not required to be tested in the year 2000.

The fee for AirCare tests rises to $24 starting at the beginning of the year. The fee increase is mandated by legislation.

Because over 60% of air pollution in Greater Vancouver and Lower Fraser Valley come from light duty vehicles, AirCare has become an important initiative aimed at improving the air we breathe. The Greater Vancouver Regional District recently estimated that between 1997 and 2021, AirCare and other programs will prevent 2,100 premature deaths and 27,000 emergency hospital visits, and will result in net economic benefits to the region of $2.5 billion.

Media contact:
Kevin Boothroyd
Public Relations Manager
Ph: (604) 436-2640 ext. 232
Cel.: (604) 834-0062

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