Authorities will be trying out a seasonal bus route that would connect Squamish residents to the south Squamish parks.
The new pilot route, 5 South Parks, will run seven days a week, connecting downtown Squamish to Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola and the Stawamus Chief.
It’ll be in service from June 16 to Sept. 3. Afterwards, BC Transit will evaluate it and make recommendations on whether it will continue and how.
“Linking Squamish’s stunning parks and tourist attractions to public transit is wonderful news for the community and visitors to the area,” said Transportation Minister Claire Trevena in a recent news release.
“Good public transit is about getting people to where they want to go – for both practical purposes and for leisure – and I’m positive this new route will have tremendous uptake.”
Mayor Patricia Heintzman said the route may help alleviate congestion.
“The introduction of this new transit route supports the District's active transportation goal of providing viable options to car travel, which leads to a variety of benefits, including reduced roadway and parking congestion—a particular challenge for our park infrastructure,” said Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman in the release.
“We're hopeful that the pilot will be successful and could signal the beginning of a more robust transit system that provides greater access to our parks, north and south.”
BC Transit said the new service hours will also allow for the introduction of late night service on Fridays and Saturdays, including an additional evening trip on route 2 Highlands.
This trip will leave downtown at 11:35 p.m. and continue on as route 1 Brackendale at Garibaldi Village.
