BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District are expanding and improving transit service in the Valley, and welcome public feedback at four open houses on Dec. 1 and 2.
They seek input on proposed service changes for September, including the implementation of the Frequent Transit Network (FTN). Identified as a top community priority in the Comox Valley Transit Future Plan, the FTN will provide frequent, convenient transit service to Anfield Centre, Driftwood Mall, downtown Courtenay, North Island College/Hospital and downtown Comox.
Other proposed changes include adjustments to routes 7 Puntledge (currently 7 Arden) and 8 Willemar, and the introduction of a new route, 9 Lake Trail, to improve service to the Lake Trail, Tin Town and Cousins Avenue neighbourhoods. These changes will allow the affected routes to connect to the FTN, increasing service to and from West Courtenay.
In Comox and Cumberland, proposed changes to some local routes will also connect to the FTN.
The Transit Future Plan provides a vision for improving transit in the Comox Valley over 25 years. Building on the plan’s recommendations, the CVRD board approved funding for 4,000 additional service hours required to implement these changes in September.
The open houses run 10:30 am-12:30 pm at the NIC student lounge Dec. 1, and 3-6 pm Dcc. 1 at Quality Foods, Driftwood Mall. Dec. 2 sessions are 9-11 am at Comox Centre Mall near John’s Independent Grocer, and 1-3 pm at the Courtenay Library.
Those unable to attend the consultation sessions are encouraged to provide feedback through an online survey at bctransit.com/comox-valley/survey-outline, which will remain open until Dec. 15.
After the public consultation is complete, a report will be provided to the board seeking their input and approval to move forward with implementation planning.
FMI: bctransit.com/comox-valley