The Victoria Regional Transit Plan (VRTP) is a 25-year roadmap to increase transit mode share to 15 per cent by 2050 through significant investments in service, fleet, facilities, transit priority infrastructure, and network modernization. The VRTP updates the 2011 Transit Future Plan, and responds to regional growth, changing travel patterns, housing and land use policy, climate objectives, and increasing congestion.
Developed through extensive public and stakeholder engagement, the VRTP identifies 10 Big Moves to guide future transit investment, including modernizing the transit network, delivering fast, frequent, and Higher Order Transit, improving service efficiency, strengthening regional connections, and supporting future growth and supportive infrastructure across the region. The plan also establishes a flexible implementation framework that aligns future investments with regional growth, funding opportunities, and operational capacity.
The full plan is available here:
Frequently asked questions
The VRTP was developed through extensive engagement during fall 2025 and winter 2026, including an online survey, nine community open houses, handyDART engagement, stakeholder and employee workshops, Local Government Partner workshops and presentations, and engagement with First Nations and rights holders.
Engagement identified strong demand for improved frequency, reliability and direct connections; support for transit priority, Rapid Transit and express-oriented service; improved West Shore and Peninsula connections; more direct connections to YYJ; interest in Higher Order Transit; and modernization of handyDART. First Nations engagement also highlighted the importance of service span and stronger inter-reserve and urban connections.
Each of the following 10 Big Moves below will be a transformative investment, and together will allow BC Transit to deliver the transit service the community needs for the next 25 years. Some require partnership between multiple levels of government, and in one case with governments outside of the region. Several require large capital investments, while others are longer running processes to shape the network.
1. Network modernization
Network modernization encompasses a suite of changes that will improve transit service throughout the region, and can include changes to Route Frequency and structure, stop patterns, improved on-board and user-facing technology. Network modernization will lead to implementation of an upgraded and expanded Frequent Transit Network within the region.
2. Higher Order Transit
This encompasses a wide spectrum of transit vehicle types and supportive infrastructure, but all share features like dedicated transit lanes, bus priority treatments and higher vehicle capacity to provide faster trips and more capacity. Investments in speed and reliability are paired with higher frequencies and longer spans of service.
3. Transform McKenzie Avenue
In partnership with the District of Saanich, continue to explore near-term and long-term improvements to bus operations along McKenzie Avenue, with interest in supporting a transition to express-style (evolving to Rapid Transit Service in future).
4. Connecting the Peninsula
Improve transit access to key destinations including Sidney, Victoria International Airport (YYJ), and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal through Rapid Transit and express services. New infrastructure such as the Sidney Transit Hub and Highway 17 transit priority measures will strengthen regional connections.
5. Invest in the Core
Extend Rapid Transit from Downtown Victoria to James Bay and Jubilee while expanding frequent transit, transit priority, and express services throughout the urban core. These investments support planned growth and improve access to some of the region’s highest-demand destinations.
6. Invest in the West Shore
Explore and develop additional Rapid Transit corridors beyond the primary Higher Order Transit line to support the West Shore’s rapid population growth. Candidate corridors include Goldstream Avenue, Peatt Road, Sooke Road, Island Highway, and Langford Parkway
7. Build the Uptown mobility hub
Support the development of Uptown as the region’s premier multimodal transit hub, integrating transit, active transportation, housing, employment, and services. The hub is expected to become a major transfer point where several Rapid Transit services converge.
8. Build the Six Mile mobility hub
Create a major interchange linking Higher Order Transit, regional bus services, park-and-ride facilities, and active transportation networks. The hub will serve as a key gateway between the West Shore and Core areas.
9. Modernize handyDART
Expand service capacity and improve the customer experience through fleet growth, technology upgrades, electronic fare payment, and online booking tools. The initiative will make custom transit more efficient, accessible, and responsive to growing demand.
10. Connect Vancouver Island
Work with neighbouring transit systems to improve interregional transit connections between Greater Victoria, the Cowichan Valley, and Nanaimo. The long-term objective is a more seamless public transit network that supports travel throughout Vancouver Island.
Implementation will require sustained investment from the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC), the Province, and the Government of Canada, supported by coordination and action with local government partners. The Plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions and will be reviewed every five years (or sooner if needed). The plan identifies a number of specific initiatives which will require additional planning study, community engagement, funding consideration, and future approvals.