BC Transit customers in Squamish 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 Chieftain Centre, Squamish Public Library, Sp’akw’us Feather Park and the Downtown Transit Exchange on Second Avenue where they can easily connect to every route in the transit network.
Starting on March 30, BC Transit OnDemand will operate in the Oceanfront, SEAandSKY, Redbridge, and St’á7mes neighbourhoods, and will also connect riders to and from downtown Squamish. The new service complements seasonal route 5 service to Oceanfront and offers transit to areas of Squamish that are not currently served by conventional transit. 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 differs from conventional transit as there are no fixed routes or schedules, and buses are dispatched on a request basis to a safe pick-up location near the customer.
OnDemand will operate Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Benefits of the modern service include:
- flexible and efficient transit service;
- easy booking system;
- shorter wait and travel times;
- real-time bus tracking;
- regular fare prices;
- wheelchair and walker accessible buses;
- better access to areas within Squamish that have limited or no transit service;
- increased service during off-peak times, and
- access to a more sustainable form of transportation.
Please note that OnDemand service is designed to complement existing transit options and is not available for trips that begin and end entirely within the downtown core. Since this area is already well served by transit, BC Transit recommends using the regular transit service for a convenient and reliable option.
To prepare for this exciting new service, download the BC Transit OnDemand app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, and visit OnDemand – Squamish for more information.
The Province of British Columbia, City of Squamish and BC Transit have partnered with TransitTech provider, Via Transportation, to offer OnDemand in Squamish.
Media contact
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
Quotes:
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit
“BC Transit customers in Squamish will now enjoy a more flexible and convenient way to move around their community. BC Transit’s new OnDemand service will make it easier for people to reach key local destinations, connect seamlessly with the broader transit network, and access areas that have limited transit service. With easy booking and real-time tracking, this modern and sustainable transit option meets the needs of riders today and into the future.”
Sxwíxwtn-Wilson Williams, Chairperson, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“We welcome the inclusion of our St’á7mes Community in BC Transit’s expansion of services in Squamish. Access to reliable and inclusive transit is essential for our community — it connects our People to employment, education, healthcare, ceremony, and to one another. We look forward to continuing our work with BC Transit in building a strong transportation system that serves our People today and well into the future.”
Armand Hurford, Mayor, District of Squamish
“The addition of OnDemand service will help to further remove barriers and make it easier for more folks to travel by transit in our community. As the use of transit grows and evolves, it is our hope that this encourages increased ridership and consideration of transit in daily travels and commutes. I look forward to utilizing this service.”
Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s President and CEO
“BC Transit is excited to bring greater flexibility and convenience to customers through our OnDemand transit service. With OnDemand, customers can book real-time trips to destinations such as the Squamish Public Library, Sp’akw’us Feather Park, and the Downtown Transit Exchange – making it easier to explore the community and connect seamlessly to the broader transit network. Thank you to everyone who helped make this innovative service a reality for the community.”
Rob Bryans, Canada Country Manager, Via Transportation
“We’re thrilled to grow our longstanding partnership with BC Transit to bring OnDemand service to Squamish. As Squamish continues to grow, it’s important that transit keeps pace — connecting new neighbourhoods to jobs, local businesses, and everyday destinations. By making it easier to get around without a car, OnDemand helps support a strong local economy and keeps Squamish a great place to live.”
