Transit System: Cowichan Valley
BC Transit is notifying its riders that Unifor locals 114 and 333 operating under Transdev Canada have increased job action and service is currently suspended in the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System. The service suspension took effect as of the start of the scheduled service on Saturday, February 8.
handyDART service has been deemed essential for customers with appointments related to renal dialysis, cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis and will continue to operate during this service disruption. Other pre-booked trips will be notified of cancellation.
Service has also been suspended for the Route 66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria Express and Route 99 SVX Shawnigan Lake-Victoria Express that provide interregional service between the Cowichan Valley and Victoria.
While the Nanaimo Cowichan Express (NCX) is not affected by this service suspension, BC Transit advises customers using the NCX to reach the Cowichan Valley that there is currently no local fixed-route service beyond the NCX drop off locations, and no ability to travel to and from Victoria.
The labour dispute is between BC Transit’s contractor – Transdev Canada – and their unionized employees. Our organization is closely monitoring the situation and sincerely apologizes to customers for the inconvenience caused by this matter. We understand the frustration felt by customers, and that the job action is difficult for everyone involved in the region.
BC Transit is the Provincial Crown Agency responsible for the delivery of transit services outside of Greater Vancouver. We contract the services of private operating companies to deliver these transit services. These companies hire and manage their own workforces.
BC Transit will update customers as more information becomes available. We encourage customers to sign up to receive alerts at alerts.bctransit.com. Customers may also follow @BCTransit on X for updates.
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
