People taking the bus in Qualicum Beach this summer may need to shell out only a loonie per ride.
Qualicum Beach council directed townstaff to send a letter to the Regional District of Nanaimo transit select committee asking for a “well-advertised pilot study to be implemented prior to the 2018 summer period,” for the town’s transit service to authorize a $1 fare per ride. Coun. Anne Skispey was absent from the meeting.
Mayor Teunis Westbroek brought forward the motion at last Monday’s (Feb. 19) council meeting.
“For some rides, it’s pretty short. You pay $2.25,” said Westbroek, adding the bus trips may sometimes only be a couple of blocks.
According to BC Transit’s website, a 10-ticket packet is $22.50 (which works out to $2.25 per ride), cash fare is $2.50 and a day pass is $5.
Westbroek said a reduced fare for the odd bus ride could be “worthwhile.”
He also said the proposed pilot study could provide an “accurate” account of how many people use the bus.