Langley/Abbotsford/Chilliwack – It’s a hit with few glitches, now if only the Province of BC can keep the money rolling in.
Every day since the launch of the FVX#66, some 200 people per day were hopping on board for the trip to Abbotsford and the Langley connection that leads to Metro Vancouver Transit.
Ironically, BC Transit says is a little ahead of their predictions for the early going.
Manager of corporate communications John Barry expected a slow start, but says they’re pleased with the ridership and says the numbers are trending upwards.
Of course, there are a few quirks and requests. BC Transit was not going to catch a free ride on this endeavor.
Barry noted that some people want some more options on where they can buy fare products as well as expansion of service for weekend hours.
Meanwhile, local Valley governments stated their case last week in Harrison at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) convention. BC Transit has been ordered by Victoria to freeze their budgets. Chilliwack Councilor Jason Lum who sits on the LMLGA says this is not the right time to freeze funding. “We’re on a transit roll and the numbers and ridership are there. Now is not the time to slow down, rather, to expand transit service and links with Metro transit.
Another West Coast Express or a “Toronto style Go-Train” is not a viable option right now, so express bus service is the way to go.”
