Expanding transit services in Victoria

VICTORIA -

Summary

• BC Transit, Province added service hours, increased frequency and extended operating times in Victoria Regional Transit System on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
• New and improved routes will better serve neighbourhoods, schools and campuses in Greater Victoria
• Increased service for handyDART with additional buses, peak-hour trips

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People using transit in Victoria have more transit options thanks to increased frequency and extended hours of service in the region.

"People in Greater Victoria deserve reliable, convenient transit options that make it easier to get where they need to go," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. "By expanding service hours, adding new routes, and improving connections, we're helping more people choose transit as a safe, affordable and sustainable way to travel. These investments reflect our commitment to building stronger communities and supporting the growing demand for public transit across the region."

Improving customer experience

To support increasing ridership and convenient transit service for people throughout the province, BC Transit and the B.C. government are partnering with the Victoria Regional Transit System to expand services with additional service hours.

This builds on the work done in communities throughout B.C. to provide improved transit services and connect communities. The new round of service expansion began on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, with changes to several routes in the Victoria area.

Improving access with new route, connections

Route 40 Dockyard/UVic via Admirals/McKenzie is a new route that improves travel between Esquimalt, View Royal and Saanich. Several routes across the system are being adjusted to improve connections and reliability, including Saanich peninsula transit-service reliability and access in west Sidney.

Other transit changes:

• Peak service coverage will be provided in Sooke with changes to Route 65.
• Changes to Route 39 improves service reliability and access to the new John Horgan Westshore campus.
• Route 51 becomes 51X Westhills/UVic McKenzie Express. Hourly midday and additional evening service is maintained between the Westshore and University of Victoria, without the need to transfer.
• Route 72 is rerouted via Carey Road and Ravine Way to use the new transit-only lane and serve the new bus stop on Ravine Way at Vernon Avenue.

Along with those changes to the regular routes, handyDART service is now expanded. This includes seven new buses and additional service hours to address peak demand.

"Expanding transit in Greater Victoria isn't just about adding routes, it's about making sure everyone can get where they need to go," said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. "With more service hours, improved connections, and increased handyDART capacity, these changes will help people with mobility challenges and others who rely on accessible transit travel safely and conveniently across our region."

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit's ongoing support for BC Transit ensures people outside Metro Vancouver continue to have access to the transit services they need. Since 2017, the ministry has increased the provincial operating grant to BC Transit by approximately 70%, supporting transit service levels throughout the province and continuing to implement transit expansion that benefits people in British Columbia.