The Town of Ladysmith is hoping its newly-revised trolley schedule will help increase ridership and make the service better for current riders.
The new schedule goes into effect Mon., July 2.
“We’ve just tidied up a few things; the main thing was getting more trips to Coronation Square,” said Ladysmith trolley committee chair Coun. Jillian Dashwood. “They’re simple changes.”
Though nothing will change regarding the trolley’s days of operation or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. timeframe, riders will notice a few adjustments to the route.
Among the changes to the schedule is an extra run to Coronation Mall, bringing the total number to six.
As of July 2, the trolley will no longer make runs to Gill and Glen roads along Chemainus Road.
As well, the trolley will not be heading directly down to Transfer Beach, although it will make a stop along Transfer Beach Boulevard and Oyster Bay Drive.
“It was difficult and a little bit dangerous [to go directly to the Beach] because we can’t back the trolley, so they would have to do a circle,” Dashwood said.
Dashwood added that new signage will be put up in the area to direct people to the stop at Transfer Beach Boulevard and Methuen Street.
While the Town continues to work with BC Transit to bring service to Ladysmith, Dashwood said they are doing what they can with the trolley service.
“The opportunity for transit is not until next March, and nothing is set,” Dashwood said. “We’re doing the best we can at the moment.
“We’re trying to do things that are helpful to people.”
She noted that the new monthly passes, which came into effect in October, are a great way for people to utilize the trolley and that ridership has increased to about 58 riders a day from 49.
Printed copies of the new schedule are available at City Hall, Public Works, Frank Jameson Community Centre and on the trolley.
You can also view the schedule online.
