Victoria’s Douglas Street may undergo another transformation in the coming years as the city mulls over plans to expand dedicated bus lanes.
Today, Victoria’s municipal council unanimously approved establishing 24-7 bus lanes between Herald Street and Hillside Avenue, deviating from their previous designation solely during peak travel times.
With this update, approximately 73 on-street parking or loading stalls could be relinquished to accommodate the changes.
In addition, a staff report discussed the potential closure of northbound lanes on Douglas Street, between Herald and Humboldt streets, to vehicular traffic.
This move was suggested to establish a rapid-bus terminus and passenger exchange area, aiming to streamline bus operations and enhance commuter experience.
The rationale behind these proposed changes is rooted in the need to address the demand for public transit services along Douglas Street.
During peak travel periods, the artery witnesses a substantial influx of commuters, with 140 buses ferrying over 3,500 passengers.
According to the report, about 1,400 pedestrians, 150 cyclists, and 1,300 vehicles navigating the thoroughfare.
In response to this growing demand, city officials evaluated multiple options for optimizing transit infrastructure along Douglas Street.
Among the six options considered, the recommended approach entails converting one travel lane in each direction into a dedicated bus lane, while accommodating cyclists, mirroring the existing configuration of the Douglas bus lanes.
Looking ahead, city staff have been tasked with further exploring the design specifics and associated trade-offs of the proposed plan, with a report expected by the first quarter of 2026.
In addition, the bus terminal adjacent to the BC Legislature could be relocated to the 700 block of Douglas Street, near Crystal Gardens.
Moreover, the proposed expansion of dedicated bus lanes along Douglas Street could see the area around Blanshard and Belleville Streets improved.
Recommendations include infrastructure enhancements to improve pedestrian accessibility, enhance connectivity to key landmarks such as Cridge Park and St. Ann’s Academy, and mitigate traffic diversion onto Belleville Street.
