A few months following the closure of the Courtenay bus depot, the Vancouver Island Connector is on the hunt for a location to sell tickets for its clients within the Comox Valley.
Brianna Green of The Wilson’s Group, which operates the bus, said operations for the Connector are being conducted out a parking lot near the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay.
Tickets for the bus service are currently available for purchase online or with cash through the bus driver, but Green would like to see something more permanent.
“What we are looking for is a business that would like to step up and sell tickets, such as a gas station. There are a lot of overhead costs with a depot.”
RELATED: Courtenay bus depot set to close in October
Last year, Vicki Wadsworth – who owned the depot on Kilpatrick Avenue with her husband – told The Record once Greyhound stopped operating in Canada “it really died off and that’s when things went downhill.”
Currently, the Connector operates its own depot in Campbell River and Port Hardy, confirmed Green. There are also a few gas stations throughout the Island that sell tickets on their behalf.
She explained an ideal location would be a business that could sell tickets and add a revenue stream to what they already do.
In late January, Travis Wilson of The Wilson’s Group presented to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District board meeting and explained the “curbside” model currently operates within the city but he had conversations with multiple businesses about opening a ticketing agent.
He added about 85 to 90 per cent of sales now take place online.
Currently, Green said there is no plan to speak to the Comox Valley Regional District, but the company would be available if asked.
Tickets for the Vancouver Island Connector can be purchased online at viconnector.com or by calling 1-866-986-3466. Tickets can also be purchased from the bus driver using cash or a credit card.
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