By Daryl Major

RDN plans on adding 5,000 transit hours to Oceanside region

Oct 29, 2016 | 4:46 AM

NANAIMO —  Transit users in Oceanside will have expanded options by this time next year.

Staff with the Regional District of Nanaimo have been talking to residents and councils in Parksville and Qualicum Beach recently about their plans to increase service. The RDN’s acting manager of transit Daniel Pearce says they plan on adding 5,000 hours to existing service next September.

“What we’re proposing is expanding the service directly on the number 91 with adding additional trips on the 91 Inner City. As well as service directly in Qualicum Beach,” said Pearce. “Implementing actually two routes with a small bus and then enhanced service on the number 99 Deep Bay as well, going from one day a week service to five days.”

The changes will help transit users from Parksville to Deep Bay, who Pearce says have made it clear they want more options.

“Especially Qualicum Beach. We’ve heard loud and clear from the citizens in Qualicum Beach,” he said. “But as a whole the area residents in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and especially Deep Bay. We’re definitely hearing they want more transit service and that’s what we’re trying to provide.”

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It’s been four years since the Regional District of Nanaimo did a significant expansion to transit service in Oceanside, according to Pearce.

More details on the proposed expansion are available on the Regional District website, www.rdn.bc.ca