Public engagement surveys show riders would use a Nanaimo to Duncan bus route primarily for entertainment and social events. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

transit expansion

Nanaimo to Cowichan Valley transit route to come online in 2022

Jan 14, 2021 | 10:59 AM

NANAIMO — A long-promised transit route between Nanaimo and Duncan is finally coming to fruition.

The Regional District of Nanaimo’s transit committee on Thursday, Jan. 14 endorsed firm details for service linking the RDN with the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

Transit planner Ericka Amador told the committee they’ll add 5,800 annual transit hours to the route which has been discussed since 2012.

“Folks indicated a desire to start travelling around 6 a.m. and 7 a.m all the way into that evening period of about 8 p.m.”

Three buses will be on the road during peak morning and afternoon hours, leading to a 45 minute wait between buses. The wait extends to between 120 and 240 minutes during middays at non-peak times.

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The proposed route stretches from the Village Green shopping centre in Duncan to the Downtown Nanaimo Exchange on Front St.

Amador said a recent survey garnered nearly 2,200 responses showing social and recreational travel would generate the most trips, followed by trips to ferry terminals and commuting to work.

The service will cost nearly $1.2 million a year, with the RDN and CVRD splitting $460,000 in costs with BC Transit covering the rest.

It’s expected to bring in slightly more than $240,000 in revenue.

Many steps still need to be completed before the buses hit the road in September, 2022. Amador said work on governance, operations and cost-sharing agreements can begin as early as next week.

The plan to continue work to connect the RDN and CVRD was endorsed unanimously.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt

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