Customers encouraged to go car-free with TransLink, BC Transit, and BC Ferries

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink, BC Transit, and BC Ferries are asking customers to plan ahead and choose sustainable transportation options this Thanksgiving, as thousands of people prepare to travel across the province for the upcoming long weekend.

TransLink customers travelling to Vancouver Island can use Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line to connect with Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal via Route 620. Bus routes 257 and 250 also travel between downtown Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Extra service will be added to routes 620 and 257 during the long weekend.

TransLink services on Thanksgiving Day (Monday, October 14):

• 1-Zone fare for all modes of transit.
• Bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
• West Coast Express will not be in operation.
• The TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office, and Lost Property Office will be closed.

BC Ferries is expecting high passenger volume from Thursday, October 10 to Tuesday, October 15 and is encouraging customers to book ahead and avoid travelling at peak times. As parking lots often reach capacity during long weekends, foot passengers are also encouraged to take public transit, ride the BC Ferries Connector, or arrange for drop-off at a terminal.

Ferry customers planning to drive aboard without a reservation should prepare for significant sailing waits and the possibility of being turned away if they arrive at terminals during peak times.

For bus riders travelling between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, BC Transit provides direct access to and from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria on routes 70, 71, and 72. Route 81 also provides service into Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and Sidney.

On Monday, October 14, BC Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule; information on routes and trip times is available here. To make travel even more accessible, BC Transit customers can now use Umo, an electronic system that provides more convenient options for paying fares — including the Umo Mobility app.

BC Transit and TransLink customers can use the Transit App for real-time bus tracking. TransLink customers can also consult Trip Planner to map out of their journey or call the Customer Information Desk at 604.953.3333.

More information:
Inter-Regional Travel webpage
TransLink website
BC Ferries Travel Tips
Victoria Regional Transit System

Media contacts:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca

BC Transit Media Relations
E: media@bctransit.com

BC Ferries Media Relations
E: media@bcferries.com
P: 250.978.1267