BC Transit now knows what locals have known for some time – Squamish residents could use a regional bus service.
Last week, BC Transit released results of a survey filled out by 2,700 Sea to Sky Corridor residents. In total, 1,260 Squamish residents completed the survey.
““The enthusiastic response to the engagement survey is very promising,” said MLA Jordan Sturdy in a BC Transit news release about the survey results. “Sea to Sky residents are ready and eager for access to affordable and frequent inter-community transit service that will reduce their dependence on personal vehicles and conveniently get them to their destination of choice. We’ve heard clearly that there is a need, and the province, along with our partners, is committed to fulfilling it with improved transit options along the corridor.”
The public engagement is part of its Sea to Sky Transit Future Plan, creating a long-term transit strategy for the area, according to the release.
The majority of Squamish respondents, 81 per cent, have a vehicle, the survey found.
More than 50 per cent of respondents in Squamish commute either to Vancouver or Whistler for work. Not surprisingly most are travelling between 7 and 9 a.m. and between 6 and 9 p.m.
Almost 39 per cent of Squamish commuters travel alone. Saving money and taking personal action on climate change ranked high on reasons commuters would ditch the car and hop on a regional bus to get to work, overall survey results found.
For regional transit to be effective, it must be regular and frequent, respondents said.
Were there to be regional transit to Vancouver the two popular locations for pick up and drop off in Squamish were Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre and downtown Squamish.
More than 40 per cent of Squamish respondents said they would like to be dropped off and picked back up in downtown Vancouver at Waterfront Station.
The surveys were filled out online and in paper from Oct. 24 to Nov. 15.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the results of this survey can drive recommendations, and what opportunities we may have to fund such service upgrades,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman in the news release.
Two open houses on transit have been scheduled for March in Squamish.
“The engagement process has given us the opportunity to learn exactly how service can best reflect the needs of Sea to Sky residents,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit CEO and president.
“The conversations will continue with local governments as we explore the possibility of expanding or introducing new service to this region.”
Open houses will run on March 3 at Totem Hall in the Sta-mus Room, from 2 to 4 p.m. and at Brennan Park Recreation Centre in the Black Tusk Room from 5 to 8 p.m.
