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New transit fare system, route changes about to come into effect in Nanaimo

Day passes for $5 and kids-ride-for-free program among changes Sept. 1
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Changes to transit fare structure and routes will be coming to Nanaimo in September. (News Bulletin file)

Transit riders in Nanaimo will see a streamlined fare system as well route improvements at the end of next week.

Beginning Sept. 1, transit customers – students, youths and seniors – will now be able to purchase a $5 day pass, according to a B.C. Transit press release. Paper transfers will be eliminated, but a one-way $2.50 cash fare will still be an option, as well as a sheet of 10 tickets for $22.50.

Monthly passes will be $65 for adults and $40 for seniors and youths. Monthly passes for university students will be $50 and semester passes will be $170.

Similar to the one-way cash fare, one-way HandyDart fares will also be $2.50.

A kids-ride-free program will also be implemented. A maximum of two children, aged 14 years and under, will be able to ride for free provided they are accompanied by an adult who has a valid monthly pass, day pass, pro pass or B.C. bus pass. This will be in effect seven days a week.

Beginning Sept. 3, B.C. Transit says there will be improvements to Nanaimo’s 25 ferry shuttle buses and the 15 VIU connector, which will see more bus frequency.

“Route 25 will now run seven days a week, connecting the Departure Bay ferry terminal to Prideaux Street, Vancouver Island University and Woodgrove Centre,” the press release said. “On the way to Departure Bay, the route will depart from Woodgrove Centre, then follow Highway 19A to Country Club, Brechin Road and Stewart Avenue into the ferry terminal.”

The improvements come about due to the the addition of 5,000 new service hours as well as two new buses paid for by the Regional District of Nanaimo and the B.C. government.

For more information, go to www.bctransit.com/nanaimo.