New BC Transit route will connect Victoria directly to Victoria International Airport

Getting to and from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) by public transit is about to become easier for early-morning and late-night travellers.

BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission are launching the new Route 72A Swartz Bay/YYJ/Downtown beginning Tuesday, September 8th.

The new route will follow the existing Route 72 between downtown Victoria and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, with an additional stop at the airport.

For travellers, that means a one-seat ride between downtown Victoria and YYJ during select early-morning and late-night travel times, without having to transfer at McTavish Exchange.

Regular BC Transit fares will apply.

Here is the current route 72A schedule:

Weekdays

• From the Legislature via YYJ: 5:14 a.m.
• From Swartz Bay via YYJ: 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight

Saturdays

• From the Legislature via YYJ: 5:25 a.m. and 6:21 a.m.
• From Swartz Bay via YYJ: 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight

Sundays

• From the Legislature via YYJ: 6:22 a.m.
• From Swartz Bay via YYJ: 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The listed times are when buses depart the Legislature or Swartz Bay ferry terminal. The buses will stop at YYJ as they continue along the route.

Routes 87 and 88 will continue operating on their existing schedules, providing airport service and timed connections at McTavish Exchange throughout the rest of the day.

The service announced Monday is more limited than an earlier proposal considered by the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.

The original plan would have sent every Route 72 trip through the airport while eliminating Route 88 and realigning portions of Route 81.

That proposal would have provided much more frequent one-seat service to YYJ, but was expected to add approximately 10 minutes to trips through Sidney and reduce service in some parts of the community.

Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith raised concerns that better airport connectivity would come at the expense of residents and workers who already rely on peninsula transit service.

Following public consultation earlier this year, Sidney council voted unanimously to formally oppose the proposed changes.

The Route 72A plan preserves Routes 87 and 88 while adding airport stops to a smaller number of existing trips during times when other airport transit options are limited.

A one-seat connection between downtown Victoria and YYJ has been sought for years. In 2021, the region’s only dedicated airport shuttle had been suspended indefinitely, leaving transit riders to rely on connecting buses.

Passengers travelling on the Route 72A with luggage are being asked to keep suitcases, bags and sports equipment on their laps or on the floor without blocking the aisle.

Those riding a double-decker bus with luggage must remain on the lower level.

BC Transit says improving service between downtown Victoria and the airport remains a priority, although further expansion will depend on funding and approval from the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.

Additional fall service changes for the Victoria region are expected to be announced Tuesday.