Transit System: Salt Spring Island
SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit, along with the Capital Regional
District (CRD), and the Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission (SSITC)
are pleased to announce that for the first time in history, passenger boardings
in a fiscal year have exceeded 100,000. To mark this achievement, the honourary
100,000th passenger was presented with gifts from the CRD and BC Transit. Festivities
celebrating this impressive milestone followed.
In six short years, the number of passenger boardings has doubled from 45,980
passenger trips in 2008/09 to 100,860 in 2013/14.
“When BC Transit launched bus service on Salt Spring Island on January
7, 2008, there was confidence that a public bus service would be successful,”
said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “In fact,
in just six years Islanders have shown that transit is an essential part of
this vibrant community.”
“Public transit is an incredible asset in our community and it is gratifying
to see Salt Spring Island riders and visitors embrace its benefits,” said
Wayne McIntyre, CRD Director, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area. “We congratulate
the CRD Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission for its hard work within
the community and together with BC Transit for building such a successful partnership.
With the continued support of Salt Spring Island taxpayers, our partners and
our riders, we will be able to meet existing and future service demands.”
“Alternative and sustainable transportation options are of crucial importance
to the community on Salt Spring Island,” said Donald McLennan, Salt Spring
Island Transportation Commission Chair. “It is very rewarding to see that
the investment of extra transit funds is generating large ridership gains.”
“Along with our partners at the Capital Regional District and the Salt
Spring Island Transportation Commission, we would like to thank our customers
who continue to support transit and help the service grow,” said Manuel
Achadinha, BC Transit President and CEO. “BC Transit and Salt Spring Island
share a commitment to the core value of sustainability, and we are pleased to
celebrate this significant milestone with the island and its residents.”
Once again BC Transit is reaching out to transit riders on Salt Spring Island,
and is looking for input on how best to grow the transit system. On Saturday,
April 5, BC Transit will be at the Saturday Market from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
to connect with community members about area-specific transit needs, priorities
and concerns. If you are not able to attend, you can take the online survey
here until April 13, 2014.
For more information on routes and schedules, please pick up a Rider’s
Guide on board the bus or visit www.bctransit/com/regions/ssi
General inquiries can be directed to our automated number at 250.538.4282. All
other customer service information can be found at 250.537.6758.
Media contacts:
Wayne McIntyre, CRD Director Salt Spring Island Electoral Area 250-888-7044
John Barry, BC Transit 250.588.1769
