DELTA, British Columbia In plenty of time for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Prevost, a division of Volvo Group Canada Inc., has opened a service center here.

The 6,600-square-foot facility, Prevosts first in the Pacific Northwest, provides full service for all makes of motorcoaches, as well as all other buses equipped with a Volvo engine.

The center is near several major highways that serve Canadas third-largest metropolitan area, and is easily accessible from Vancouver International Airport, ferry terminals and the CanadaU.S. border.

The maintenance facility has four bays and one wash pad. In addition to normal daytime business hours -- Monday through Friday, after-hours or holiday appointments may be arranged through Service Manager Dennis Garvey.

"Prevost is known for its ongoing commitment to provide all our vehicle owners with exceptional after-market service, including parts, maintenance and emergency repairs," said Randy Castillo, Prevost service network manager.

"Selecting Vancouver for our newest facility was a natural. The region is growing rapidly and reliance on transit service is already strong.

"In anticipation of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, public transit systems in Vancouver, Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton are enhancing their service and expanding their fleets, many with transit buses built by Nova Bus, Prevosts sister company. We look forward to working closely with them to provide support for their vehicles."

Thousands of motorcoaches and buses will travel the roads between Vancouver and Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the largest event in the regions history. The games in February and Paralympic Winter Games in March will attract an estimated 5,500 athletes and officials, 55,000 workers, 10,000 media representatives, and as many as 200,000 spectators per day.

"Were delighted to be up and running in time to accommodate the substantial increase in traffic that will accompany the Winter Games," said Christian Gagnon, Prevost construction project manager. "Yet, we know that with its exceptional beauty, outstanding recreational opportunities and other attractions, the Vancouver area is a draw for numerous four-season motorcoach users, and well be here to serve them, as well as all buses equipped with Volvo engines."

As a "designated inspection facility" (DIF), the service center also can handle the mandatory new bus or motorcoach inspections required by the British Columbia vehicle inspection program.