Discussions are advancing to potentially link the RDN's transit system to Courtenay and Campbell River. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

transit talk

Island-wide public transportation possible as community links grow

Feb 10, 2022 | 6:15 AM

NANAIMO — Discussions among mid and north Island regional district officials could lead to public buses connecting most of Vancouver Island’s east coast.

The Regional District of Nanaimo board recently agreed to continue conversations with Comox Valley and Strathcona regional districts in order to advance the Northern Inter-regional Transit Service initiative.

The ultimate vision is linking buses between Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River by 2025, as indicated in a recent RDN Transit Select Committee report.

“Led by BC Transit, this could be accomplished by analyzing and planning to identify demand, routing and scheduling options as well as other logistics of operating an inter-regional transit connection,” the report stated.

Electoral Area H director Stuart Mclean said this concept is an important step toward increasing affordable and reliable transportation.

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“A lot of people have family doctors and go to medical appointments in Courtenay. A lot of people in Bowser work in Courtenay as well,” McLean told NanaimoNewsNOW, who chairs the RDN’s Transit Select Committee.

Last summer the Comox Valley Regional District board passed a resolution to initiate discussions to connect Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River based public bus systems.

Comox Valley’s public transit system is already linked with the Campbell River based Strathcona Regional District.

Funneling a second inter-regional transit option to the Harbour City makes sense on many levels, McLean said.

“People from Campbell River could now be catching the bus down to the ferry and across to Vancouver, get on transit there and go all over the Lower Mainland. It’s pretty exciting to think about.”

The RDN is scheduled to begin regular service between Nanaimo and Duncan on March 28 in partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District and BC Transit.

A five year service agreement is in place, featuring seven round trips on weekdays and six round trips on Saturday’s with seven stops between both destinations.

Factors such as detailed scheduling and establishing the required bus stops still need to be finalized for the $7.50 per trip service called the Nanaimo-Cowichan Express.

Public transit is already established between Duncan and Victoria meaning if the two connections out of Nanaimo are successful, riders could take transit from Campbell River to B.C.’s capital.

Two years ago the RDN pushed its reach to the southern reaches of its jurisdiction by providing service to Nanaimo Airport and Cedar.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes