Thanks to generous support from community sponsors, the Gibsons community shuttle bus will run on weekends through July and August, carrying visitors and residents between the harbour area and the upper part of town.
The Town of Gibsons and the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce took the lead in launching this pilot project, which has been identified as a priority by citizens and planners for more than a decade. Other major sponsors are Sunnycrest Mall, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Community Futures and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union.
Fun, friendly and flexible is the mandate of the service, which will run Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bus leaves Gibsons Marina on the hour and half hour, running up to Park Plaza Mall and back, with service to the wharf, Sunnycrest Mall and the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
The bus, provided by Sechelt School Bus, is fully wheelchair accessible. Fares are a toonie for adults or a loonie for children, and credit union members may ride free by showing their card.
"We are delighted to help visitors and residents move between the many wonderful shops, restaurants and services in the Landing and in Upper Gibsons," said Chamber president Dean Walford.
A major impetus for launching the project this summer has been the prospect of visitors arriving by foot passenger ferry and float plane at the harbour's new dock. The pilot shuttle service will test demand for transportation and community response.
"We hope that this project will demonstrate sufficient demand to raise the priority of a shuttle service with BC Transit," added Gibsons Mayor Wayne Rowe. "It might also lead to another interim solution, such as a partnership with an existing private business or community organization."
Other local businesses that are supporting this service include Vital Signs, Seaweeds Health Food Store and the Blackfish Pub.
- Submitted by the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce
