BC Transit to launch OnDemand transit service in Powell River
BC Transit is launching a new OnDemand transit service for residents in Powell River, B.C. Riders can request a pickup and travel directly to local destinations such as the shops and restaurants along Marine Drive, qathet General Hospital, the Saturday Farmers’ Market and Willingdon Beach Park as well as use it to make connections with other transit offerings like Powell River Airport, Westview Ferry Terminal and the Town Center Transit Exchange.
“BC Transit is excited to bring OnDemand service to the Powell River Transit System, giving riders more flexibility and convenience,” said BC Transit President and CEO Erinn Pinkerton. “Using the BC Transit OnDemand App, customers can request trips in real time to places like nearby shops, the airport or the Town Center Transit Exchange, where they can connect to the broader transit network. I want to thank everyone who contributed to making this innovative service a reality for the community.”
The new service offers:
- Flexible and on-demand transit service
- A low-friction booking system
- Shorter wait and travel time
- Wheelchair and walker accessible buses
- Real-time bus tracking
- Standard fare prices
- Fuller access to areas within the neighborhood that have limited transit service
- Increased service during off-peak times
Launching on March 23, BC Transit will introduce the service to customers traveling within the Upper and Lower Westview areas of Powell River (south of the Joyce Avenue and Manson Ave intersection). Riders can request a transit pickup through the BC Transit OnDemand app or by phone. The app helps riders locate the fastest travel option and directs to either a nearby designated virtual pick-up location for an OnDemand bus or to a nearby bus stop to catch the regularly scheduled bus.
When booking a trip, customers will be advised of their pick-up estimated time of arrival (ETA). The service will operate Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding major holidays.
“The city of Powell River is pleased to have worked with the Province of BC, BC Transit and Via Transportation to bring the OnDemand transit service to our community,” said Powell River Mayor Ron Woznow “We look forward to OnDemand rolling out on later this month, as part of a comprehensive package of schedule and route enhancements which will improve transit services in the community.”
Customers will notice a few differences from the previous Zunga bus service:
- OnDemand trips are booked in real time instead of in advance.
- OnDemand implements a new booking system that identifies the fastest travel option.
- OnDemand features larger, accessible buses hosting ramps to support passengers with mobility aids and wheelchairs.
- OnDemand pickups take place at designated locations within the OnDemand zone.
- OnDemand charges fares directly on the bus when boarding with customers receiving a transfer ticket if requested.
In the coming week, BC Transit will also share details of comprehensive schedule and route enhancements being made to the Powell River Transit System aimed at improving transit service for the community. OnDemand service will support and accent these improvements.
The province of British Columbia, city of Powell River and BC Transit have partnered with transit tech and operations provider, Via, to offer the OnDemand service.
“We’re proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with BC Transit to step in as the new OnDemand technology partner in Powell River,” said Via Transportation Canada Country Manager Rob Bryans. “This next chapter will make service more efficient and intuitive for passengers, while ensuring seamless connections to the broader transit network.”