FAQ

1. When does the route 70 Nanaimo – Cowichan Express (NCX) launch?

The service will launch March 28th, 2022. Customers looking to regularly use the service may purchase an April 2022 monthly pass, which will activate on March 28th, providing four extra days for early adopters of the service.

2. Can I use the monthly Cowichan Commuter pass on the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan
Express?
The monthly Cowichan Commuter Pass Zone A and Zone B are not eligible on the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express. Customers are asked to purchase a monthly pass for the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express Zone C or Zone D. See details below:

  • Zone C – $175.00 – Valid on Nanaimo – Cowichan Express
  • Zone D – $245.00 – Valid on Cowichan Valley Transit, Nanaimo – Cowichan Express, and Nanaimo Regional Transit

3. Where can I buy passes for the NCX?
For the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System customers can buy passes and tickets for NCX at the following vendors or call (250) 390-4531:

  • Bowen Road General Store (Tickets only)
  • Shoppers Drug Mart: Country Club Center (Tickets only)
  • Walmart Lotto Centre: Woodgrove Centre (Tickets only)
  • London Drugs: Port Place Mall (Purchase NCX Passes & Tickets)
  • RDN Transit Office: 6300 Hammond Bay, Nanaimo (Purchase NCX Passes & Tickets)

For the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System, customers can buy passes for NCX at the following vendors or call (250) 746-9899:

  • Cowichan Valley Regional District Office
  • Cowichan Community Centre
  • Walmart at Cowichan Commons (Lotto Centre)
  • Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
  • Town of Ladysmith City Hall
  • Frank Jameson Community Centre
  • Kerry Park Recreation Centre
  • Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
  • 49th Parallel Grocery (Ladysmith)

4. What are the fares for the NCX?
Cash (Onboard) – $7.50 (per trip)
Available from vendors in advance:
Tickets (Sheet of 10) – $67.50
Monthly Zone C – $175.00
Monthly Zone D – $245.00

5. Which transit system will collect items accidentally left on board the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express?
The Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System will keep articles in Lost and Found for a minimum of 14 days. Unclaimed items will eventually be donated to local charitable organizations. Customers can call (250) 390-4531 to inquire about misplaced items.

6. Can I use Nanaimo or Cowichan DayPASSes and Tickets?
In order to use the new route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express, customers must purchase specific tickets and passes designated for this service. See above for available fare products.

7. Will I be able to easily transfer to the local conventional service in each community?
Customers may transfer to conventional service in the Cowichan Valley Regional or Regional District of Nanaimo transit systems but will be required to purchase a conventional fare product or a route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express Zone D pass which is eligible for all three services.

8. Is the ‘Free Transit for Children 12 and Under’ available on the route 70 NCX Nanaimo –
Cowichan Express?
Yes, the provincial ‘Free Transit for Children 12 and Under’ program is available on the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express. For more details, visit bctransit.com/kidsridefree.

9. What is the cost for a customer to use both the Cowichan and Nanaimo conventional services
and the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express without a monthly pass?
Depending on their start and end points, a customer who does not wish to purchase a monthly pass may buy a Cowichan Valley Regional Transit fare (Cash, $2.25; DayPASS, $4.50), then transfer to the NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express ($7.50 per trip), and then if needed may purchase a Regional District of Nanaimo Transit fare (Cash, $2.50; DayPASS, $5.00). A 10% discount is available if the customer purchases tickets from a vendor in advance.

10. Are ProPASSes accepted on the new 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express?
ProPASSes are for use on conventional services. As such, they are not eligible fare on this interregional service.

11. Where are the bus stops for the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express?
The stops for this route are as follows:

  • Downtown Nanaimo Exchange
  • Nanaimo South Parkway Plaza
  • Nanaimo Airport
  • 1st Avenue at Highway 1 in Ladysmith
  • Drinkwater Road at Cowichan Commons
  • Beverly Street at Duncan Street near Vancouver Island University
  • Duncan Train Station
  • Village Green Mall in Duncan

12. Why is the service not a normal drop off and pick up in Cowichan?
As is the case with other interregional transit services, the route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express will operate on a loop, with service north from the Cowichan Valley Regional District and returning south from the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Customers wishing to utilize service that operates with pick-ups and drop-offs in both directions should use the local transit services offered, which also offer lower cost fares for that service.

For any other questions regarding the route 70 NCX Nanaimo-Cowichan Express, please contact the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System at (250) 390-4531.