Saturday transit service between Cowichan and Victoria
Cowichan Valley – Saturday transportation options between the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Greater Victoria are expanding this fall. Starting October 14, new route 44 Victoria/44 Duncan will operate express transit service on Saturdays with three daily round trips between the two regions.
This service complements the successful weekday Cowichan Valley Commuter (CVC) service launched in 2008. The new service will use existing commuter buses already in the local fleet.
“Our government is committed to making life more affordable and improving services for the people of British Columbia,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Expanding transit service to meet the needs of the growing Cowichan Valley community will be a great benefit to many people in the region.”
“On behalf of the Cowichan Valley community, I’m very pleased to see expanded transit service better connecting residents of the Cowichan Valley to the City of Victoria,” said MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan Doug Routley. “This added service is in direct response to public surveys, and it shows that BC Transit is committed to service improvement.”
The one-way cash fare of $10 provides an affordable option for people wishing to travel from Duncan to Victoria and vice-versa. As with local and CVC routes, children four years of age and under also ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
“Route 44 is a great opportunity to increase transit ridership at a fairly low cost,” said CVRD Board Chair Jon Lefebure. “It also allows us to showcase our region to visitors who may not otherwise explore it.”
The implementation of the new service follows a public survey in March 2017, which revealed strong support for Saturday service between Victoria and the Cowichan Valley. Information collected through the survey also reflects the priorities identified in the Cowichan Valley Transit Future Plan. Approximately 200 people took the survey.
“The success of the Cowichan Valley Commuter shows that customers want safe and sustainable transportation options into Victoria,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new Saturday service provides more opportunities to better connect people and communities on the south island.”
For further details about route 44 Victoria/44 Duncan service, please visit BCtransit.com/Cowichan-Valley