Public bus service in the Nanaimo & Parksville/Qualicum regions will be offered 365 days a year as of January 1, 2020. (NanaimoNewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Holmes

transit expansion

Year-round transit service approved in Regional District of Nanaimo

Jul 4, 2019 | 3:51 AM

NANAIMO — Public bus service on the mid island will soon be offered every day of the year, following unanimous approval from Regional District of Nanaimo board members.

Three statutory holidays currently not covered by the RDN transit will be added to the schedule in 2020, starting with New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Operating on a scaled-down level of service on holidays will cost the RDN $48,000, according to a staff report.

Darren Marshall, the RDN’s manager of transit operations, said having buses run 365 days a year will be well received by their core customers.

“It’s a service improvement frequently requested by retail workers, commuters and students.”

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Marshall said though it’s the addition of only three days, offering year-round service is significant.

“It eliminates confusion, it creates consistent service throughout the year and is consistent with other communities.”

Marshall said the expansion does not apply to their handyDART service.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes