Victoria

1. Overview of Public Transportation in Victoria

Victoria’s public transportation system is primarily bus-based, operated by BC Transit. The buses are clean, efficient, and cover most areas of the city, including downtown, residential neighborhoods, and nearby municipalities like Saanich, Esquimalt, and Langford. There is no subway or train system in Victoria, so buses are the main mode of public transit.

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2. Types of Tickets and Passes

BC Transit offers several ticketing options to suit different needs, whether you’re a visitor or a resident. Here are the main types:

a. Single Ride Tickets

• Cost:
  • Adults (19–64 years): CAD $2.50
  • Seniors (65+ years) and Youth (6–18 years): CAD $2.00
  • Children under 5: Free (when accompanied by a paying passenger)
• Details:
  • A single ride ticket allows you to travel on one bus for up to 90 minutes, including transfers to other buses within that time frame.
  • Tickets are paper-based and issued by the driver when you pay your fare in cash.

b. DayPass

• Cost: CAD $5.00 (all ages)
• Details:
  • Unlimited travel on all BC Transit buses in Victoria for one day.
  • Ideal for tourists or those planning to make multiple trips in a single day.
  • Can be purchased directly from the bus driver (cash only).

c. Monthly Pass

• Cost:
  • Adults: CAD $85.00
  • Seniors and Youth: CAD $45.00
• Details:
  • Unlimited travel for a calendar month.
  • Best for residents or long-term visitors who use public transit frequently.
  • Requires a BC Transit photo ID card for seniors and youth to qualify for discounted rates.

d. 10-Ticket Pack

• Cost:
  • Adults: CAD $22.50
  • Seniors and Youth: CAD $18.00
• Details:
  • A pack of 10 single-ride tickets at a discounted rate.
  • Convenient for occasional riders who don’t want to carry cash for every trip.

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3. How to Purchase Tickets

There are several ways to purchase tickets and passes in Victoria:

a. On the Bus

• You can pay for single-ride tickets or a DayPass directly on the bus.
• Payment Method: Cash only (exact change required; drivers do not provide change).
• Tickets are issued by the driver.

b. Retail Outlets

• Monthly passes and 10-ticket packs can be purchased at authorized retailers, including:
  • 7-Eleven
  • London Drugs
  • Fairway Market
  • Other convenience stores and grocery stores (look for the BC Transit logo).
• A full list of retailers is available on the BC Transit Victoria website.

c. Online

• Monthly passes can be purchased online through the BC Transit website. However, you may need to pick up your pass at a designated location.

d. BC Transit Office

• You can visit the BC Transit Customer Service Centre in downtown Victoria to purchase tickets, passes, or obtain a photo ID card for discounted fares.

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4. Procedures for Using Tickets

a. Single-Ride Tickets

1. Board the bus through the front door.
2. Insert your ticket or cash into the farebox next to the driver.
3. If you’re paying cash, the driver will issue a paper ticket. Keep this ticket as proof of payment and for transfers.
4. If you need to transfer to another bus, show your ticket to the next driver within the 90-minute validity period.

b. DayPass

1. Purchase the DayPass from the driver when boarding the bus.
2. Show the pass to the driver each time you board a bus throughout the day.

c. Monthly Pass

1. Show your pass to the driver when boarding.
2. Ensure your pass is valid for the current month.

d. 10-Ticket Pack

1. Insert one ticket into the farebox when boarding.
2. If you need to transfer, request a transfer slip from the driver.

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5. Local Considerations

a. Exact Change

• If you’re paying cash on the bus, ensure you have the exact fare as drivers do not provide change.

b. Accessibility

• All BC Transit buses in Victoria are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks.

c. Peak Hours

• Buses can get crowded during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–6:00 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.

d. Regional Travel

• If you plan to travel outside Victoria (e.g., to Sidney or the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal), BC Transit buses serve these areas, but schedules may be less frequent. Check the BC Transit website or app for route details.

e. BC Ferries Connector

• If you’re traveling to Vancouver or other parts of British Columbia, BC Transit buses connect to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. You can use regular tickets or passes for this route.

f. Mobile App

• Download the Transit App or use the BC Transit website to plan your trips, check schedules, and track buses in real time.

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6. Tips for Visitors

• DayPass for Tourists: If you’re visiting Victoria for a day or two, the DayPass is the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• Explore Downtown on Foot: Many attractions in downtown Victoria, such as the Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, and Fisherman’s Wharf, are within walking distance. Use buses for longer trips to places like Butchart Gardens or the University of Victoria.
• Carry Small Bills and Coins: Since buses require exact change, it’s helpful to carry small denominations of Canadian currency.

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7. Contact Information

For more information, you can contact BC Transit directly:

• Website: www.bctransit.com/victoria
• Customer Service: 250-382-6161
• Office Location: 520 Gorge Road East, Victoria, BC

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Victoria’s public transportation system with ease. Enjoy your time in this charming city!