VICTORIA The Vancouver Island-based Wilson s Group says its hopeful about the future of its intercity bus services following an outpouring of support from community members and local government leaders. The company, which operates the Tofino Bus and Vancouver Island Connector bus routes, had to suspend operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Feb. 2, Wilson s Group said it would be extending its service suspension and said it was at a risk of permanently closing. With our current passenger counts we are unable to cover the costs for these runs and simply cannot afford to continue to operate these routes, said president John Wilson at the time.
Few industries in B.C. have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than the motor coach sector. But on Monday, the provincial government hinted that help may be on the way.
Tofino Bus, Vancouver Island Connector service suspended indefinitely amid requests for relief
Tofino Bus and the Vancouver Island Connector’s bus routes have been suspended indefinitely, despite the company s intention to resume the long-awaited bus service on Feb. 12.
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CBC News ·
Posted: Feb 04, 2021 7:51 PM PT | Last Updated: February 5
The Tofino Bus and the Vancouver Island Connector have suspended bus services indefinitely due to low ridership during the pandemic.(Tofino Bus All Island Express/Facebook)
Chief executive John Wilson said the service is in jeopardy of being abandoned altogether. “At this point, we are unsure when and if we will be able to resume service given the current environment,” he said. “With our current passenger counts, we are unable to cover the costs for these runs and simply cannot afford to continue to operate these routes. This is an extremely difficult decision to make as we are very concerned about the safety of the people who rely on our service. Sadly, we have no other options.” Wilson’s asked the province for a one-year emergency COVID-recovery contract from the Ministry of Transportation to cover operating costs for Tofino Bus and allow it to resume the service, but that hasn’t happened.
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