The new C2C Express Courtenay-Comox bus route, which launched yesterday, came about as a direct result of citizen input into BC Transit’s “Transit Future Plan”, which analyzed the existing bus system, incorporated public feedback, and set out a path to improved operations for the years to come.
The ‘transit future bus’ came to the Comox Valley 22 times in 2013 and 2014, which allowed residents to provide in-person feedback to BC Transit, and as well, residents were able to provide input from 2013 to 2014 through the BC Transit Future project website. One of the items that was identified as a short-term priority, based on public input, was the creation of a limited-stop express bus between Courtenay and Comox, several times a day during peak commuter periods.
The C2C Express name was chosen in a contest, with Barb Mortell of Denman Island providing the winning entry. Ms Mortell received one year of monthly transit passes as the prize.
On December 30, as a thank you to bus riders for utilizing the transit system, and to residents for providing feedback to make the service even better, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and BC Transit provided refreshments and prizes to various bus riders at key stop points.