Chilliwack transit riders will see the largest transit service expansion in the city’s history on Sept. 1.
But they’ll pay more for it.
Transit fares will rise 25 per cent, or 50 cents for the average one-way ticket next month, marking the first fare increase in five years.
For that, users will see an extra 7,500 annual service hours added to the local transit network – an increase of 30 per cent. It will mean improved service along the No. 1 Vedder route and the creation of two additional routes, BC Transit says.
Two new buses will be added to accommodate the expansion. That will allow Chilliwack Transit to better serve the University of the Fraser Valley in the south and Chilliwack Middle and Secondary Schools in the north.
The two new routes will bring service closer to residential areas and better serve the Chilliwack and Cottonwood malls. Route No. 7 Broadway will serve west Chilliwack and Route No. 8 Tyson will link neighbourhoods in the south.
Other improvements include longer service hours until approximately 10 p.m. six days a week and statutory holiday service at Sunday levels.
The expansion also means higher fares. An adult ticket jumps to $2 from $1.50. Youth and senior fares move to $1.75 from $1.25.
Fares will also rise for day and monthly passes, as well as HandyDART tickets.
The good news is it will be easier to purchase tickets. Chilliwack is the first BC Transit community to offer convenient online fare transactions. Have your monthly pass or DayPASS sent directly to your home after buying them online at www.chilliwack.com/transit
“We are pleased to offer expanded transit services for the people of Chilliwack,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “With the ability to buy tickets and passes online, the addition of new routes, holiday service and later service for six nights, it will be easier than ever for people to choose public transit in Chilliwack.”
The changes, said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha, will make the Chilliwack transit sytem “more efficient and effective.”
Chilliwack MLA John Martin called the expansion a “bold step forward.”
For more information on routes and schedules please call 604.795.3838 or consult www.bctransit.com/regions/chw
