Due to lack of ridership, Sunshine Coast Connector discontinued bus service on October 11 until next season, which is May 15 to September 15, 2021.
According to a media release from Sunshine Coast Connector, every day the company is receiving numerous emails and messages asking not to leave the isolated community of Powell River and the Pender Harbour region without the bus service.
The release stated that it is a small, private company, and unfortunately, cannot afford to run the bus with just a few passengers.
“After consulting with residents, BC Transit, and other parties, we believe have found a way to continue the bus service between Powell River and Langdale,” the release stated.
The following is the bus service’s recommendation: Sunshine Coast Connector would provide transportation from Langdale to Earls Cove and a BC Transit bus would provide transportation between Powell River and Saltery Bay. This entails a BC Transit bus doing pickup and drop-off three to five days a week during low season and every day during the high season, which is July and August, the release stated.
According to the release, currently, BC Transit, through the rural transit system, offers limited bus service to and from Saltery Bay upon request.
“We just need to make it happen on a regular basis to line up the BC Transit bus and the Sunshine Coast Connector,” the release stated. “Also, we could attract more passengers if BC Ferries offered a free ride for Sunshine Coast Connector customers in low season months. Most of our passengers for that period are seniors who are already entitled to a free ride, so there will not be a huge financial burden for BC Ferries.
“We are asking for your active support to save a very vital bus route for local residents, tourists, and visitors. Sunshine Coast Connector is open for discussion. Together we can do it and play our part.”
