Starting April 15, transit users in Whistler will enjoy a 10% increase in bus service hours during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, part of a first phase of expanded service across six significant routes.
The expansion will translate into more year-round service for the Route 10-Valley Express, a maintenance of 30-minute service year-round on the Route 6 Tapley’s/Blueberry bus and the Route 7-Staff Housing bus, more Route 21-Spring Creek service in the late night, an earlier bus on the Route 5-Upper Village/Benchlands free shuttle, and more.
The expansion, part of the Whistler Transit Future Action Plan, was made possible by the 2024/25 provincial budget. Mayor Jack Crompton expressed his excitement about the new development, stating that the transit expansion was a huge win for the community.
He added that the increased bus hours, reliability, and consistency would improve service for current users and encourage others to shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Apart from benefiting riders, the expansion will provide more quality year-round jobs for transit operators. According to a press release issued by RMOW, it is also part of the municipality’s efforts to align with the Paris Accord, which aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.
The Whistler Transit System is provided through a partnership between BC Transit and the RMOW, and Whistler Transit Ltd. is contracted to operate the system.