I have read a lot lately about re-instating the rail service, which, although basically a good idea, sadly only having one track the reality is not very practical.
That leaves the bus service, or at least in the area I live, the lack of any bus service.
Being able to travel the Island is good for locals who may not be able to drive, or even choose not to drive, but certainly beneficial for tourists who I’m sure would like to see more than just Victoria.
However, living in Qualicum Bay, I fail to understand why this beautiful part of the Island suffers from no buses at all.
The #10 comes down from Courtenay to service Buckley Bay ferry and then on to Fanny Bay where it stops. There is no service at all between Fanny Bay and Qualicum in either direction.
Don’t get me started on the ludicrous decision to start the #99 service which runs from Deep Bay to Qualicum Tuesdays only.
Greyhound travels this whole route but even that has been cut to one a day, which passes through at 3:20 p.m. I have used this myself on several occasions, but it obviously requires at least an overnight stay as it returns from Victoria at 7:30 a.m.
Contacting Nanaimo and Courtenay transit proved futile. Nanaimo told me there was no service available (which I already knew) and Courtenay didn’t even have the common decency to reply.
Surely the residents of this area deserve a little better than this crass ignorant response.
Maybe with some backing from your paper and readers we might be able to get the mighty B.C. Transit to change its view and start a service the residents deserve.
Ian McJannet
Qualicum Bay