Come mid May, for the first time in 20 years, Bowen Island won’t have a bus service.
Therefore, BIM is looking for information about essential services workers who may be affected by TransLink’s decision or a potential reduced schedule from BC Ferries. (There’s been no indication from BC Ferries that reductions to Bowen are proposed). If these could affect one’s ability to provide essential services, islanders are asked to contact [email protected] said a press release Wednesday.
TransLink announced Monday that it expects to suspend service on several routes in early May, including all three of Bowen’s routes (Bluewater, Eaglecliff and Mt. Gardner), as a cost-saving measure. TransLink’s remaining routes (including the 250 and 257 buses) are expected to see reduced frequency said the press release.
TransLink’s ridership is down 83 per cent and the company is losing $75 million a month said the company’s press release. The company announced it is also temporarily laying off 1,492 employees.
According to TransLink, it is prioritizing routes that service hospitals and other health facilities. Routes being suspended are those that either duplicate other routes or are in areas with low ridership (i.e. Bowen).
TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said Monday the transit organization has done its best to cut costs through other means but has run out of options.
When it comes to Bowen Island:
Richard Goth, lead hand for the Bowen Island buses, which are run through First Transit, said that they have seen ridership go down in recent weeks and he’s seen many former passengers getting dropped off in the Cove instead.
But Goth still sees the buses as an essential service.
“It is an important thing,” said Goth. “There’s a lot of people generally that do need to have this.
“We do move tradesmen around, we do move people with disabilities and such.”
“This is not a wheelchair friendly community,” said Goth. “We don’t have sidewalks really, except for some in the Cove and generally it’s a difficult place for people [with mobility restrictions].
“I’m very much encouraging people to express their opinions to the municipality and to TransLink,” said Goth.
BIM doesn’t currently have a plan in place for what happens when the bus service stops but they’re looking into it said the municipality’s emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan Monday.
“One of our primary activities right now is trying to get a sense of the impact,” said McGowan.
The TransLink press release suggested service could return to near-regular operations in September.
––With files from Jane Seyd, North Shore News
