New transit routes could connect Vancouver to Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton

BC Transit buses in Whistler (Photo credit: The Transit Site / Flickr)

Transit service from Vancouver up the Sea-to-Sky and as far north as Pemberton could be a real thing in the near future.

And this week, a total of six public consultations are scheduled (March 2 to 4,) to discuss concepts for the proposed regional transit service.

The concepts were created after positive support was given for a potential service in the Sea–to-Sky region, during the first round of public consultations in the fall of 2016.

“We heard there is a desire for services from Pemberton through to Vancouver,” said Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver, in a statement. “I am looking forward to having a discussion about acting on the need to develop a regional transit service through the Sea-to-Sky corridor.”

Sea-to-Sky mayors support plan

Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman echoed Sturdy’s thoughts.

“With 50% of the Squamish-based respondents indicating that they travel north or south for work, it’s clear that a regional transit service would benefit our residents,” she said. “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.”

The upcoming consultations will include discussion about potential stops, routing, schedules and fares for the possible service.

Increasing and improving transit is “vital to the village of Pemberton,” said Mayor Mike Richman “With the increase of congestion on Highway 99, an upgraded transit system will not only have positive impacts on current housing issues, economic growth, access to jobs and essential services, but assist us with our goal of being a Carbon Neutral community.”

The proposal has also received support from the chair of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board, Jack Crompton.

“Reliable and affordable regional transit will reduce our auto-dependence, alleviate traffic congestion, shrink our carbon footprint, and make it easier for residents without cars to access employment, educational opportunities and other essential services,” Crompton said. “We’re excited to work with our partners to move this project forward.”

Whistler’s mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said regardless of what comes out of the consultations and ideas for further transit plans, her municipality is committed to maintaining the resort’s local transit service already in place and ” working with our provincial and regional partners to find solutions that meet our shared needs and have viable funding arrangements.”

Those looking to get involved with the consultation are invited to attend consultations in person, or participate in them online. An online survey – along with details about the proposed concept – is available at BCTransit.com/seatosky.

Sea-to-Sky transit consultation schedule

Thursday, March 2

Where: Whistler Public Library – 4329 Main Street, Whistler
When: Thursday, March 2, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.

Friday, March 3

Where: Britannia Beach Community Centre – Britannia Beach
When: Friday, March 3, from 10 am to noon

Where: Sta-mus Room, Totem Hall – Squamish Nation
When: Friday, March 3, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Where: Brennan Park Recreationa Centre – 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish
When: Friday, March 3, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Saturday, March 3

Where: Ullus Community Centre – Lil’wat Nation
When: Friday, March 3, from 11 am to 1 pm

Where: Pemberton and District Community Centre – 7390 Cottonwood Street, Pemberton
When: Friday, March 3, from 2 pm to 4 pm.