The Fraser Valley Express bus that connects Chilliwack and Abbotsford with Langley and the Translink system outperformed expectations through its first nine months, according to a review of the service for the Fraser Valley Regional District.
The review found ridership of the bus has doubled since service began last April, with revenue expected to exceed the $23,000-per-month target.
“Recent financial information is supporting a higher average per month which will help to hold or reduce future tax requisitions needed to support this service,” the report said. BC Transit funds 47 per cent of the service, with Abbotsford and Chilliwack covering the rest of the cost. The first year of the service had been expected to cost Abbotsford $411,897.
The service and ridership review also identified possible changes for the future, including expansion of service to Sundays and holidays, although BC Transit hasn’t recommended any tweaks, given the success of the bus so far.
“To make significant changes now could interfere with the momentum that appears to be in place,” the report said.
