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Peninsula transit changes affect routes in Sidney, North Saanich

B.C. Transit has implemented a handful of changes to several routes through Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich.

After a complete review of transit services on the Peninsula and Greater Victoria, B.C. Transit has implemented a handful of changes to several routes through Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich.

“People told us about improvements they’d like to see in the system,” said James Wadsworth, senior planner for B.C. Transit. “They’re changes that make it easier for people who regularly use transit.”

The biggest service change is the new Route 71 Swartz Bay/Downtown via West Sidney, which will offer three morning trips and four return afternoon trips.

“We decided to have those trips also serve West Sidney, so it now has direct commuter service to downtown Victoria,” said Wadsworth.

Other changes include rescheduling Route 83 Sidney/Royal Oak and 88 Route Sidney/Airport to have regular intervals, and consistently extending the 81 Route Brentwood Bay/Swartz Bay to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

“Some trips used to route into the hospital and some didn’t. Now all trips do,” added Wadsworth.

As well, the Route 86 Deep Cove was combined into the Route 85 North Saanich, reducing the number of trips slightly. The changes went into effect Dec. 29, and so far feedback has been fairly quiet, he said.

“We’ve listened, and we’ve rescheduled to try and best meet the needs of the community.”

For complete schedules and maps, visit bctransit.com/victoria/schedules.