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1. What transit services are offered in the Cowichan Valley?

The Cowichan Valley offers several different types of transit service: 

Local scheduled route service: These are the scheduled routes operating throughout the Cowichan Valley. Transit routes are available in all areas except Electoral Areas G (Saltair / Gulf Islands) and Area H (North Oyster / Diamond). For a full listing of routes with maps and schedules please see BC Transit’s website; or pick up a Rider’s Guide onboard or from various ticket outlets in the Cowichan Valley. 

handyDART (custom) service: handyDART provides accessible door-to-door, shared transit services in the Cowichan Valley for registered users who cannot use scheduled bus route service. This service is available to residences within 1.5 km of a conventional fixed service transit route not including commuter routes. For more information or to register please call 250.748.1230, or 1.855.748.1230 toll free from Ladysmith. 

Weekday commuter service: There are two Cowichan Valley Commuter routes operating Monday - Friday between the Cowichan Valley and the Capital Regional District (Victoria). There is currently no midday service available on these routes. These routes do no operate on statutory holidays.  Route #66 (the Duncan Commuter) offers 4 daily trips from Village Green Mall (on Central Road beside London Drugs) to Victoria early in the morning. Route #99 (the Shawnigan Lake Commuter) offers 2 daily trips early in the morning with trips starting from the Cobble Hill Train Station stop on Cobble Hill Road near Hutchinson Road.  For more information call 250.746.9899.

Saturday Inter-regional service: Route #44 Victoria and Route #44 Duncan operate Saturday transit service connections between the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria with three daily round trips.  Route #44 does not operate on statutory holidays that fall on a Saturday, including Boxing Day.

2. Where do I get information on bus routes, schedules, maps and fares?

For transit routes, schedules, maps and fares visit www.bctransit.com/cowichan-valley and try out the Trip Planning tool to easily plan your next bus trip. Simply put in your starting point (origin), and your final destination. Enter your departure time, or your desired arrival time, and the trip planner will calculate the best bus route and give you the scheduled times as well as provide directions to the closest available bus stops.

If you are not connecting with us online you can also pick up hard copies of the Cowichan Valley Transit Rider’s Guide on board the bus or at the CVRD’s main office (175 Ingram Street, Duncan) as well as at CVRD Recreation Centres (Cowichan Community Centre, Kerry Park Recreation Centre, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, and Cowichan Lake Sports Arena).

Cowichan Valley Transit Rider's Guide

3. Which bus routes go where?

Route maps are available online and in the Rider's Guide but a brief overview of some major destinations and the transit routes servicing them is included below. This is not an exhaustive list so please contact the information line, 250.746.9899 if you have questions. Please see:

Key Destinations Listing

4. The schedule only lists a few stops, is this all of them?

No, schedules only list a handful of key stops, or timing points, along a route designed to tell customers approximately where the bus is. Along the route you will find bus stops within a few minutes of the times listed. 

To easily plan your transit trip, use the online Transit Trip Planner available at: www.bctransit.com/cowichan-valley. Simply put in your trip origin, destination, date and time of departure, or your desired arrival, and the most direct bus routes and times will be calculated for you along with directions to the closest nearby bus stop.

5. What is On-Request transit?

On-request transit is available on Cowichan Valley Transit Routes #20 (Youbou) and #21 (Honeymoon Bay). This service offers pick up and drop off service as an extension of the scheduled local route. All locations (homes, businesses, etc.) located within 1.5 kilometres of existing transit routes #20 and #21 qualify, meaning customers can make arrangements for pick up or drop off at these specific locations in advance. On-request service is limited to two drop off or pick ups per trip and priority is given to first-to-call customers and those with mobility challenges. For more information, and to book a trip, call 250.749.3311. Standard cash fares of $2.25 apply per trip.

6. Can I take bikes, toddler bikes and wagons on the bus?

All BC Transit buses can carry up to two adult bikes on the front rack on a first come, first serve basis. Community buses used on Youbou, Honeymoon Bay and Ladysmith local routes cannot safely carry bikes on the rack after dark.  Toddler bikes and wagons are not permitted on board buses for safety reasons.  For more information please see BC Transit's website at www.bctransit.com/cowichan-valley under Rider Info.

7. Who do I call for lost and found items?

Please call the Transit Information line at 250.746.9899 for lost and found inquiries.

8. What are the costs for riding the bus? Are there any discounts?

Local scheduled routes:

A $2.25 one-way cash fare applies on the local Cowichan Valley bus routes. Exact change is required and this fare is payable at the time of boarding.  Tickets and monthly passes can also be purchased at discounted rates for travel on local scheduled routes.  Children 4 years of age and under ride free with a fare paying adult. 

Family Travel Program: 

The program is available to parents and guardians who are 19 years and over with a valid monthly pass, DayPASS, or BC Bus Pass. Under this program, an adult pass-carrying customer can bring up to four children (12 years and under) on board for free*.

For more information on the fare product changes, please visit BCTransit.com/Cowichan-valley.

*Excludes Cowichan Valley Commuter Routes 66, 99 and Victoria/Duncan Route 44.

 

handyDART:

A $2.25 one-way cash fare applies.  Attendants travelling with the handyDART customer to provide required assistance can also ride for free with a fare-paying customer.  Attendants are responsible for the care and assistance of a customer during the trip.

Cowichan Valley Commuter (Routes #66 and #99):

Cash fares on the Cowichan Valley commuter bus are $10.00 (one-way). Exact change is required and this fare is payable at the time of boarding. Tickets and monthly passes can also be purchased for regular transit riders and these provide discounts. Children 4 years of age and under ride free with a fare paying adult.  

Saturday Inter-Regional Service (Route #44 Victoria / Route #44 Duncan):

Cash fares are $10.00 (one-way).  Exact change is required and this fare is payable at the time of boarding.  Children 4 years of age and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.  CNIB and BC Bus Passes are accepted.

For full fare information please see:

BC Transit's website

9. What is the BC Bus Pass Program?

The BC Bus Pass Program is offered by the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. This program provides an annual bus pass valid for eligible riders on any fixed-route transit service in the Cowichan Valley or throughout the Province of BC. For more information on this pass and eligibility requirements please see:

BC Bus Pass Program details