Bus Etiquette

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Changes to route - Message from Maddie

Good morning! I am writing this on July 21, 2010 - asking if there are riders on the Route 66 buses who have concerns over the proposed change to end the bus stop at Hutchison Road (with the probable availability of Valleyview in September, I am assuming) This change does not impact me personally, but there are riders who walk to Hutchison Road who will now have to find another way to get to the bus. As part of the 'Route 66 community' I am willing to participate in writing letters to the Minstry of Transportation, BC Transit and the CVRD Transit Committee to raise this point: Route 66 is timed for commuters/ Malahat congestion AND the original investment by the Province ( I have checked the original News Release) was also with a view to reducing carbon footprints/actions to mitigate climate change. The Folks who walk to Hutchison are a great example of 'going green' even in a rural community!! Also, the efficiencies of organizing the commuter park and rides along the highway is important but to what extent is this effective when riders, who live near to the Highway but do not have a car, are displaced? I think we need both Hutchison and Valleyview (which will allow better access to the service for those who live in deep Cowichan Bay). According to the Area C Director, Gerry Giiles, there will be a meeting of the Transit Committee in early - to mid-August so I am willing to draft a letter a.s.a.p. If you are interested in joining in, please say so :))  Maddie

Wednesday break down

On the way to work on Wednesday morning, the 2nd 66 broke down just south of Bamberton.  Bus driver Glen made every effort to get the bus going and managed to get us to Whittaker Road and off the highway.  20 minutes later the 3rd 66 arrived to rescue us.. will the combined passengers, there was one standee spot left!

Power outage victim

Following the storm on Sunday night, many of us were left in the dark.  Without power (and some of us water as well) most of us managed to make it to the bus, as so to work regardless of these set backs...most of us manage to coordinate our clothes...all exept one!

66 + 99 = 1

Terry wrote a wonderful article about the anniversary of the bus and submitted it to the local papers with the hope that they will publish it this Friday...here is an excerpt

This is the new math that announces that the commuter bus service from Duncan and Shawnigan Lake celebrated its first anniversary on October 20.  Judging by the reaction of boisterous riders, the service is a real success.  Revelers celebrated with goodies and reminiscing about events that have heralded twelve months of the Cowichan Valley's best effort yet to help British Columbia manage its carbon footprint.

For the full article see the Cowichan News Leader on line at www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/cowichannewsleader/opinion/letters/65339387.html

Anniversary party

We hope you all enjoyed the goodies

Happy Anniversary

Tuesday 20 October will be the 1st anniversary of the Malahat Connector bus service from Duncan to Victoria.  Please feel free to post any thoughts, stories, events that standout from the past year

Happy Thanksgiving

Hoping that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family.

King Terry

There is a new King in town...see what happens when I don't take the bus for a few days...I have been usurped...but not for long...I'll be back. Signed Queen Bee

Happy Birthday Jen

Jen's birthday was yesterday...sorry I missed the fun. Hope you enjoyed your purple cupcake and that you had a great day.

Tamara's Toe

You might have seen Tamara with crutches...she has broken her toe and will need surgery. Send Tamara your wishes for a speedy recovery

Tamara's Birthday

The whole bus helped to celebrate Tamara's Birthday this afternoon. Those who were brave enough to wear party hats were rewarded with cup cakes. We hope you had a great day Tamara...Bobbi you are next!

Early Bus

Everyone who was on the first bus home this afternoon was impressed by the speed that we arrived. We reached Frayne Road at 5:00 - there was virtually no traffic - it was awesome - On Thursday the first 66 bus reached Duncan at 5:23. Thanks Doug for getting us home safely (as always).

New Route information

The new route infomation and schedule has just been posted on the Cowichan Valley Regional Tranist site http://www.bctransit.com/regions/cvc/schedules/schedule.cfm?line=66&

Update to Bus Route

Registered Cowichan Valley Commuter Riders,
As you are likely aware, BC Transit recently conducted a detailed review of the Cowichan Valley Commuter transit service. A comprehensive report was presented to the CVRD Transit Committee in early July and the Transit Committee agreed to proceed with the Phase 1 recommendations contained within the report.
New Schedule, New Routing, and New Fare Zone Boundary
Attached is a copy of the revised Cowichan Valley Commuter service which will take effect on Tuesday September 8. Changes have been made to both routes resulting in shorter travel time due to fewer stops and fewer diversions from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Service has been increased on Route 66 with four buses serving Duncan while commuters from Mill Bay will now have a choice of six buses due to the rerouting of Route 99. As well, the fare zone boundary has been shifted so that the stop at Koksilah Road is now in Zone One thereby benefiting the residents of Cowichan Station and Cowichan Bay.
Monthly Pass Registration Discontinued
Due to the overwhelming response demonstrated prior to the launch of the Cowichan Valley Commuter in October 2008 through attendance at Open Houses and via emails, letters and phone calls; it appeared that the new bus service would be “sold out” within weeks. As a result, a monthly pass registration system was implemented to reduce the possibility of buses being overcrowded and to provide valuable information (desired route, boarding location and point of purchase for bus passes) during the early days of the system.
However, the buses have not sold out. Ridership has averaged 60-65% of the target ridership. Some of the Route 66 buses have exceeded seating capacity resulting in standees between Mill Bay and Victoria. By shifting the Route 99 buses to this corridor, capacity will double in the heavy usage area from 3 to 6 buses. This will result in more comfortable conditions for all riders. There is no need to continue with the registration process.
As a result, you will no longer need to provide a confirmation number to purchase a monthly pass. Monthly passes will be available at the indicated outlets beginning two weeks prior to the start of the next month. For commuters from Duncan, the new Cowichan Aquatic Centre on James Street will now be selling monthly passes as well. Currently, the Aquatic Centre is open weekdays from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm and early in the morning until late evening on weekends (please be aware that the Aquatic Centre will have reduced operating hours between August 22 and September 11 due to the pool shutdown; please check www.northcowichan.bc.ca for operating hours during this period).
On behalf of the Cowichan Valley Regional District and BC Transit, I wish to thank you for your support of the Cowichan Valley Commuter during the initial year of operation and hope that you will find these new route and schedule changes to be an improvement to your daily commute.
Regards,


Joe Barry
Corporate Secretary
Cowichan Valley Regional District

Blog is suffering from neglect

Sorry that there has not been a lot of activity on the blog recently. I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Design for 66 Commuters walking team t-shirt. The shirt can be worn for all Bus Buddy activities so if you want one, let me know

Driver of the Month

We now need votes for Driver of the Month for May.

The case of the secret surveys

Last month the CVC did two surveys: one hard copy that was not given to every passenger and an on-line one that nobody was told about (it was posted on the blog). Have your say, post your comments here.