By Ian Holmes

RDN plans transit improvements to meet growing south Nanaimo demand

Dec 6, 2018 | 2:01 PM

NANAIMO — A local transit official expects improved public bus service in the south Nanaimo-Cedar area will be approved by the Regional District of Nanaimo board early next year.

Daniel Pearce, the RDN’s director of transportation, said enhancing several existing routes in the south zone of their service area and potentially adding a second route in Cinnabar Valley is possible.

He said the need for enhanced service was consistently mentioned during in-person and online public consultations this year .

“We’re hearing from the public that they want to see more service, especially in the south part of Nanaimo, and we’re definitely hearing that there’s higher demand for service in the Cinnabar and Cedar areas.”

Pearce said more service during weekends and evenings are key planks in the South Nanaimo Local Area Transit Plan. 

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He said a growing population has predictably led to more demand in the south end of their service zone.

“Land use development and where growth is occurring definitely impacts where the transit system is going to be growing.”

He said six routes are slated to be enhanced: 5, 6, 7, 15, 30 and 40.

Pearce expected a formal proposal would be approved by the RDN board by next March.

He said the next public transit priority is enhancing public bus service in north Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, while service to the Duke Point ferry terminal could be re-examined either next year or in 2020.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes