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BC Transit restores Saanich-Victoria bus route after backlash from riders

The route will change back to the orignal in January
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BC Transit has restored route 11 to its original schedule. (Black Press Media Photo File)

BC Transit plans to return the popular route 11 back to its original course riders used prior to June 27, 2022, after the Gorge-Tillicum community complained about the changes.

Route 11 was changed due to a long period of construction, but riders were upset it wasn’t restored when work ended.

Restoring route 11 will be a part of BC Transit’s Jan. 8, 2024 service change as BC Transit said in a statement that “a change of this nature requires significant time and resources to implement.”

In September, BC Transit made modifications to route 25 to better serve the Gorge-Tillicum community. Although the route 11 will change back to its original route, route 25 will remain on the same course along the Gorge between Admirals and Tillicum in January pending further engagement.

BC Transit will part take in more community engagement this October and November to discuss the potential for further enhancements to service options that could be implemented as early April 2024. BC Transit said it is seeking “feedback on the trade-offs between more direct service between key regional destinations in comparison to more extensive local coverage.”

BC Transit acknowledges that pre-pandemic ridership levels are up, traffic congestion has increased within the region, and they’ll have to adapt.

“BC Transit must continue to balance the transit needs of specific areas with overall demands within the Victoria Regional Transit System,” said a news release. “We will continue to work hard at providing safe and reliable service for our customers.”

ALSO READ: ‘Heartbreaking’: Changes in Saanich-Victoria bus route slammed by riders



About the Author: Ella Matte

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