BC Transit has announced its annual spring service change, but this year, there are even more reductions than usual due to COVID-19.
The change is made every year to match service levels with demand when post-secondary schools are not in session. This year, demand is lower than ever, as BC Transit sees a 70 per cent decrease in ridership because of the pandemic.
“Transit will be reducing service on some routes to provide more schedule certainty,” said BC Transit in a statement on Wednesday, “With the change, the level of service will still allow for physical distancing while travelling on public transit in the Victoria Regional Transit System.”
Additional reductions include a temporary stop to the late-night service on Friday and Saturday nights effective April 3, and various reductions on multiple routes throughout Greater Victoria.
To find out what specific routes are affected, check the preview schedules on BC Transit’s website.
This change follows last month’s announcement of free fare and rear-door entry across the Province, as well as introducing a new limit to the number of passengers permitted on buses.
Due to the additional changes in response to COVID-19, a Rider’s Guide will not be available for the spring service change.
The transit company says it will continue to run for those still needing to get to work, including essential service workers or for those needing to get groceries or prescriptions.
“BC Transit will continue to monitor available resources and provide service updates on a day-to-day basis. We thank our customers for their patience, and apologize for the inconvenience,” said the bus company.
For scheduling information, call BC Transit at 250-382-6161, or check NextRide or BCTransit.com.
For all details regarding BC Transit’s full response to the coronavirus, including cleaning protocols, check the COVID-19 page on their website.
Rebecca Lawrence
