Transit System: Comox Valley
COMOX VALLEY – BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District are delighted to announce ridership is on the rise – up 7.4% over last year. In its Annual Report, BC Transit recorded 626,043 passenger trips in 2013/14 as compared to 582,598 trips in 2012/13 across both conventional and handyDART transit services. When comparing conventional service year-over-year, the increase in annual ridership is more substantial — up 8.3%.
The past year has been a dynamic one for public transit in the Comox Valley. In the spring of 2013, more than 1,700 residents participated in Transit Future Plan public consultations to help shape transit services over the next 25 years.
On August 17, 2013, more than 7,000 people boarded BC Transit buses to attend the Comox Air Show at 19 Wing Comox. It was a one-day service record that highlighted the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation.
The Zambus, a Zamboni wrapped to look like a BC Transit bus, was introduced to encourage the symbiotic relationship between a healthy lifestyle and transit use. Plus the Transit Trip Planner was unveiled. The free, online tool helps transit customers pre-plan their excursions.
“By taking the bus in record numbers, Comox Valley residents continue to show that they appreciate the efficiency and convenience of local transit,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. “Kudos to BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District for being responsive to local needs, including running the Beach Bus and special service to Comox Air Show, which set a one-day record for ridership last summer.”
“We have worked with BC Transit and our residents in the Comox Valley to find ways to keep improving bus service here,” said Edwin Grieve, CVRD board chair. “It’s gratifying to see that the enhancements – like Google Transit – along with the additional routes, new bus shelters and special services like the summer beach bus and reduced-fare buses to special events, have had positive results.”
“With strong leadership and an investment in extra service hours, customers are choosing transit and helping grow the system,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “Congratulations to the Comox Valley for an outstanding year of promoting and encouraging sustainable transportation.”
For more information on transit services in the Comox Valley call 250.339.5453 or consult www.bctransit.com/regions/com
Media Contacts:
Mike Zbarsky, Comox Valley Regional District Manager, Transit & Sustainability
250.334.6037
Meribeth Burton, BC Transit Corporate Spokesperson
250.995.5720
