Despite its success, the Sea to Sky Transit System goes off the road next Sunday (April 24), leaving hundreds of Squamish-Whistler commuters looking for ways to get to work.
The pilot project started Jan. 3 and when it became an instant hit. The service was so popular some trips were consistently running at capacity and monthly passes sold out soon after they went on sale.
BC Transit planner Don Boyd said those who paid for the pilot project are talking about ways to make the service permanent.
"There's continual discussion regarding funding," said Boyd.
The funding partners for the pilot project were the District of Squamish, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and BC Transit.
According to a joint news release issued by the three organizations the data collected through the pilot project will be analyzed as the future of the service is considered.
The actual cost of each ride was calculated at $9.25 but customers paid between $3 and $4 per trip. The funding partners covered the cost of the difference.
Preliminary data from the pilot project shows 98 per cent of the service users were traveling to and from work and most of the users were faithful to the service. Eighty six per cent of the riders using the system were on the commuter bus five or more days a week.
The preliminary data also indicates a daily average of 233 rider trips were made to and from Squamish.
Anyone with unused tickets after April 24 can redeem the tickets for a full refund at Municipal Hall in Whistler or Squamish.
Those who relied on the transit service are being told to consider switching to the Greyhound service or the Jack Bell Foundation Rideshare program. There is more information on Jack Bell Foundation programs at www.ride-share.com or by calling 1-888-380-RIDE (7433).
