Salt Spring Island Public Transit
On July 11 the CRD Board approved a bylaw introducing public transit on Salt Spring Island, in partnership with BC Transit. Salt Spring Island Transit will begin service with two 20-passenger minibuses on January 7, 2008.
"There is strong public support for the new service,” says Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director Gary Holman, referring to a counter petition signed by only 2% of voters, and a poll by Driftwood newspaper showing 75% of residents in favour of bringing bus service to the island. “Public transit and the ability to fund pedestrian and cycling facilities are important to reduce automobile dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, but are also essential to provide access to the elderly, disabled and those who can't afford cars. It’s going to be exciting to start up and then improve these services over time.”
The CRD will also establish the Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission which will serve as a Transit Advisory Committee. As part of an overall commitment to reducing car use on Salt Spring Island, the committee will undertake other transportation-related initiatives such as constructing sidewalks and bike lanes.
About the Service
The route will be tailored to local transit needs, linking to ferries and along community routes. The buses will run between Fulford, Ganges and Vesuvius, and in and around Ganges Mondays through Fridays, with some weekend service during the summer months. While the buses will operate with fixed routes and schedules, they will detour off regular routes to pick up and drop off passengers where and when possible. The minibuses are lift-equipped to provide service for passengers using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters.
The budget for the first year of operation has been set at $180, 000, with contributions from the CRD, BC Transit and user fares. BC Transit will provide core annual funding as well as the minibuses, planning and marketing. The CRD Board will determine service levels and establish fares based on consultation and input from Island residents.
For more information, including maps of the proposed routes and budget information please see Salt Spring Island Proposed Transit Service. 