Commuting for UVic students is set to get a little easier next year, thanks to recent additions to BC Transit.
BC Transit has announced significant service expansions across Greater Victoria and Nanaimo starting in January 2025, with a strong focus on improving transit options for University of Victoria (UVic) students.
The transportation company said these enhancements aim to meet growing ridership demand and improve connectivity to key destinations.
A major highlight of the expansion is the reinstatement of the 76 UVic/Swartz Bay route, which provides a direct connection between the University of Victoria and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Starting January 6th, the route will also include a stop at Royal Oak Exchange, offering UVic students a seamless option for traveling to and from the BC Ferries terminal.
To further support students commuting between UVic and downtown Victoria, enhanced service will be introduced on the following routes:
- 4 UVic/Downtown
- 7 UVic/Downtown
- 14 Victoria General/UVic
- 26 UVic/Dockyard
BC Transit said these improvements are expected to significantly reduce travel times and increase the frequency of buses, making transit more convenient for students and other commuters.
Additionally, service reductions implemented during the holiday season will end on January 6th. Minor schedule adjustments will be made to routes 25 Maplewood/Tillicum Centre, 49 Skirt Mountain/Langford Exchange, and 83 Sidney/Brentwood/Royal Oak to align more closely with school start and end times.
Nanaimo will also see expanded service starting January 5th with the introduction of six new heavy-duty buses. These new additions will bring changes to route names and modifications to enhance efficiency:
- The 50 Woodgrove/Downtown route will be rebranded as the 1 Nanaimo Rapid Line.
- The 1 Downtown/Country Club route will be renamed the 72 Downtown/Country Club.
- The 91 Intercity (Qualicum Beach/Woodgrove) will become the 9 Intercity Line, offering additional trips and improved connections to the new Nanaimo Rapid Line.
- The 11 Lantzville route will be rebranded as the 31 Lantzville and extended further along Lantzville Road to serve the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation.
HandyDART Expansion
In the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, HandyDART services will also expand starting January 5th. The new service will include Saturday availability and an additional vehicle for extra weekday trips during peak hours.
While BC Transit has attributed these expansions to increased local and provincial funding, specific financial details have yet to be disclosed. The improvements are part of a broader strategy to enhance transit accessibility and reliability across Vancouver Island.
UVic students and other residents can look forward to more frequent, convenient, and connected transit services in 2025, supporting the growing demand for sustainable transportation options in the region.
