Transit System: Port Alberni, West Coast
A new BC Transit service connecting residents and visitors of Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ community of hitaću, and the Tla-o-qui-aht communities of Esowista and Ty-histanis will officially launch on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The West Coast Transit System will replace the existing temporary service operated by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD). It will operate seven days a week, with nine roundtrips provided on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., and an additional eight roundtrips each Saturday and Sunday between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
BC Transit and the ACRD worked closely with members of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government and
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to identify service levels and bus stop locations.
This new service has been made possible by both local government and provincial funding. The operating grant provided in the 2024-25 provincial budget will allow BC Transit and the ACRD to provide safe and reliable service, and demonstrates that public transit remains a priority in our communities.
All fleet buses in the West Coast Transit System are 2024 Chevrolet ARBOC buses and will feature BC Transit’s new green livery, which was announced last year as our first major change to the look of our fleet in 17 years. The new green livery showcases our organization’s commitment to modern, climate-friendly public transit options for communities across the province.
Riders can pay for their fare with cash and a variety of fare products available via the convenient Umo Mobility app or reloadable Umo card. Learn more about payment methods, fare products, and prices at bctransit.com/west-coast/fares/.
For all routes, maps and schedules please visit bctransit.com/west-coast/.
Quick Facts:
- The signs at all 36 stops in the West Coast Transit System will include Nuu-chah-nulth language; the first time BC Transit signs will include Indigenous language.
- The service between Ucluelet and Tofino is approximately 43 kilometres from end to end, and also includes a limited daily service between Ucluelet and hitaću (16 kilometres one-way).
- The West Coast Transit System will be our first to offer direct access to a National Park, with stops at Long Beach and Radar Hill and the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail in Pacific Rim National Park.
Quotes:
“Safe, affordable public transit is essential to reducing the barriers faced by rural and Indigenous residents in accessing healthcare, education, employment and recreation opportunities. West Coast communities, with the support and leadership of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, have worked hard to launch the West Coast Transit System and achieving the full partnership of B.C. Transit and the Province of B.C. completes the vision to deliver safe and reliable public transit.”
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA, Province of BC
“The successful launch of the West Coast Transit System is testament to many years of commitment and collaboration from everyone involved. BC Transit is excited to see Nuu-chah-nulth language on all the stop signs and new buses with our fresh branding look travelling throughout the communities in this beautiful region, getting people where they need to go safely and reliably.”
Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer
“Public transit is a service provided to residents to help address widespread difficulties folks are seeing with affordability. Access to affordable transportation is a vital component of achieving social mobility, or people being able to improve their lives. Ensuring that all members of the community are afforded good access to transit will help not only those people, but the community as a whole since people will be able to get to work or to their appointments without relying on other more costly means. I welcome the investments made on the West Coast and applaud all involved in making it happen. Many thanks!”
John Jack, Chair of the ACRD Board of Directors
“This is an important step forward in connecting our communities; hitac̓u, Ucluelet, Long Beach, and Tofino. The BC Transit partnership is helping advance the work done by West Coast Transit, bringing public transportation that other communities take for granted to the west coast. It shows what can be achieved by bringing community priorities forward collectively.”
President Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government – Ucluelet First Nation
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
