Transit System: Powell River
BC Transit customers in Powell River will soon enjoy the flexibility of a new OnDemand transit service, where riders can request a pickup and travel directly to local destinations such as the shops and restaurants along Marine Drive, Powell River Airport, Westview Ferry Terminal, qathet General Hospital, the Saturday Farmers’ Market, Willingdon Beach Park, and the Town Centre Transit Exchange where they can easily connect to every route in the transit network.
- flexible and efficient transit service;
- easy booking system;
- shorter wait and travel times;
- wheelchair and walker accessible buses;
- real-time bus tracking;
- regular fare prices;
- better access to areas within the neighbourhood that have limited transit service;
- increased service during off-peak times, and
- access to a more sustainable form of transportation.
Starting on March 23, BC Transit will introduce OnDemand transit to customers traveling within the Upper and Lower Westview areas of Powell River (south of the Joyce Ave and Manson Ave intersection). With OnDemand, riders can request a transit pickup through the BC Transit OnDemand app or by phone. The app identifies the fastest travel option and directs riders to either a nearby designated virtual pick-up location for an OnDemand bus, or to a nearby bus stop to catch the regularly scheduled bus. When booking a trip, customers will be advised of their pick-up Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). If using the BC Transit OnDemand App, customers will receive reminders when their OnDemand vehicle is 15 minutes and 5 minutes away, as well upon arrival. OnDemand will operate Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., excluding major holidays. Benefits of the modern service include:
Customers will notice a few differences from the previous Zunga bus service:
- OnDemand trips are booked in real time instead of in advance;
- a new booking system identifies the fastest travel option, which means customers might be directed to a nearby bus stop to catch a regularly scheduled bus if it’ll be quicker than the OnDemand service;
- larger, accessible buses featuring ramps to support passengers with mobility aids and wheelchairs;
- pickups take place at designated locations within the OnDemand zone; and
- fares are directly paid on the bus when you board with customers receiving a transfer ticket if requested.
In the coming week, BC Transit will share details of comprehensive schedule and route enhancements to the Powell River Transit System aimed at improving transit service for the community. OnDemand service will support these improvements, with additional information to be shared soon.
BC Transit recommends downloading the BC Transit OnDemand app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and visiting OnDemand – Powell River to get ready for this exciting new service.
The Province of British Columbia, City of Powell River and BC Transit have partnered with transit tech and operations provider, Via, to offer OnDemand.
Media contact
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
Quotes:
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit
“BC Transit customers in Powell River can now enjoy a more flexible and convenient way to travel throughout their community. The new OnDemand service gives riders fast, easy access to popular local destinations, from Marine Drive shops and the Powell River Airport to the Westview Ferry Terminal, qathet General Hospital, and the Saturday Farmers’ Market. By offering real-time booking, shorter wait times, and accessible vehicles, this modern service will enhance mobility for customers and provide a more responsive, sustainable, and rider-focused transit experience to people in Powell River.”
Ron Woznow, Mayor, Powell River
“The City of Powell River is pleased to have worked with the Province of BC, BC Transit and Via Transportation to bring the OnDemand transit service to our community. We look forward to OnDemand rolling out on later this month, as part of a comprehensive package of schedule and route enhancements which will improve transit services in the community.”
Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s President and CEO
“BC Transit is excited to bring OnDemand service to the Powell River Transit System, giving riders more flexibility and convenience. Using the BC Transit OnDemand App, customers can request trips in real time to places like nearby shops, the airport, or the Town Centre Transit Exchange, where they can connect to the broader transit network. I want to thank everyone who contributed to making this innovative service a reality for the community.”
Rob Bryans, Canada Country Manager, Via Transportation
“We’re proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with BC Transit to step in as the new OnDemand technology partner in Powell River. This next chapter will make service more efficient and intuitive for passengers, while ensuring seamless connections to the broader transit network.”
