Travellers needing to make their way to or from Metro Vancouver's two BC Ferries terminals by public transit may need to find another way to get to their sailings Monday and Tuesday, as a strike has shut down bus service across the region.
The strike began at 3 a.m. today (Jan. 22) and is currently expected to last 48 hours. All TransLink bus service operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) is completely shut down, along with the SeaBus.
BC Ferries has issued a travel advisory to customers cautioning that the strike impacts transit fully or partially to its ferry terminals.
"Bus service to and from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal is unavailable as of 3 a.m. Monday, January 22, due to an ongoing transit labour dispute between Coast Mountain Bus Company and CUPE Local 4500," indicates the notice.
"Customers should plan ahead for alternative transportation options."
No bus to Tsawwassen terminal, some to Horseshoe Bay
Transit users ride route 620 between Richmond's Bridgeport Station and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal; all bus service is currently suspended due to the strike.
For public transit to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal on the North Shore, however, only route 257, connecting downtown Vancouver to the BC Ferries terminal, is out of service.
West Vancouver Transit (formerly known as Blue Bus) operates route 250, which is not impacted by the strike. Riders can continue to utilize the bus line to get from Downtown Vancouver to the Horseshoe Bay BC Ferries terminal.
As of Monday morning, the strike has not affected SkyTrain or West Coast Express service.
