The Olympics wrap up means the Sea to Sky Highway returns to business as usual with the removal of vehicle restrictions, pylons and a decrease in the high bus volume seen over the past two weeks.
The public transportation schedule remains slightly altered for the duration of the Paralympics, which run March 12 to 21.
As of today, BC Transit has decreased enhance service in the Sea to Sky Corridor with the Squamish-Whistler commuter returning to its regular schedule of departures from Valleycliffe, downtown, Garibaldi Highlands and Brackendale starting as early at 6:04 a.m. and returning as late as 1:48 a.m.
Individuals with Paralympic accreditation will be required to pay the regular commuter fare of $5 if travelling between Squamish and Whistler, however local Whistler transit will be free for accreditation pass holders until Sunday, March 21.
Paralympic event ticket holders will also be required to pay the regular commuter fee of $5 to travel on the number 98 Squamish commuter bus, however the ticket holders will be able to ride free on local Whistler transit until 4 a.m. the day after the ticket event.
"This [free service] is only valid for in town Whistler service," said BC Transit media relations spokesperson Joanna Morton.
"The reason being is just now that public parking is going to be available now and the travel restrictions are going to be lifted so the demand for transit isn't as high as it was for the month of February."
Starting today, BC Transit has added one route to local Whistler service, the No. 10 Games Express which will run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight.
"Essentially that connects the Athletes Village, through Function Junction all the way up to the Gondola Exchange," Morton explained.
As of 6 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 28), the Highway 99 checkpoint north of Squamish will no longer exist and Lots 1, 2, and 3 are open for public use. The Driving Range (lot 10) and Mons (Lot 11) parking lots are open for fee-based day skier parking.
Spectators heading to Whistler Creekside are encouraged to park their vehicles at the Callaghan Station and board a spectator shuttle to Whistler Creekside, which operates two hours before and after the competition.
Otherwise spectators should take commercial transit to Whistler Creekside or to Whistler Village and transfer onto public transit heading for Creekside.
The Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) will offer accessible shuttles at Creekside upon request. Individuals with accessibility challenges are permitted to travel with one other individual.
Paralympic Games spectators heading to Whistler Paralympic Park can park their vehicle at the Brandywine Snowmobile Parking Lot and board a shuttle to Whistler Paralympic Park. An accessible shuttle will be available at the parking area closest to the venue.
For additional details visit www.travelsmart2010.ca, www.bctransit.com and www.whistler2010.com.
