Day Tripper Bus Program Here to Stay!
We are very pleased to announce that our hugely popular MIALS Day Tripper Bus Program will continue with weekly service following a very successful three month trial period. Our thanks to all those who rode the bus and shared their enthusiasm with other islanders, particularly on social media. Utilization of the bus has been growing week by week. And a huge shout out to our drivers, particularly Tim Gale, who have graciously accommodated the varying needs of our passengers, getting them to medical appointments, shops, swimming pools and countless other destinations! And a huge shout out as well to our Reservation Coordinators, Sue Duncan and Tracy Chernaske, who have kept track of all our bookings, noting each passenger’s destinations. They have also made many trips themselves to understand the possible range of needs for riders and fine tune our procedures. What a great team!
During the three month trial period we learned that the operating costs of the Bus Program are higher than we anticipated. These losses for the initial Pilot Program have been covered by a grant we received. Moving forward the Board of Directors has decided to make a few changes to the Bus Program aimed at maintaining the financial health and sustainability of MIALS while offering this bus service at what we consider to still be reasonable rates. Effective July 25th, when the continuation of the Day Tripper Bus Program takes effect, prices will increase as follows: Seniors (65 and older) are now $15 and Adults (under 65) are now $25. The price for youths (6-16) will stay the same at $10.
We are also working hard to mount a major campaign to secure further grants including those focused on transportation. We will also be holding bus related fundraisers and campaigns for Bus Program donations from within the Mayne Island community. If you are interested in supporting the Bus Program with a donation please click here. Everyone at MIALS has been blown away by the response to this program and the importance it holds for the community. We are committed to the Bus Program and making it viable and sustainable for the long term.
We have also been working behind the scenes to make reserving a seat and paying for the bus easier. Our updated website will soon feature an area for bus online booking and credit card payment. You will soon be able to pick a specific date and pay for yourself and friends with your credit card via our secure payment system. You will receive a booking confirmation email, and your name and the number of passengers in your group will be automatically added to our passenger list for those particular dates.
We look forward to seeing you on the MIALS Day Tripper Bus and thank you so much for your continued support!
“I can’t wait for the launch of the new bus service. Trying to make trips off island for shopping is very challenging without a car. Having a reliable means to get to a from town – will be so valuable for those of us who do not drive”
Selena Flood, Mayne Island Resident
General Bus Schedule
Tuesday Mornings – Mayne Island to Sidney
Mayne Island Library – 6:15am
Top of the Ferry Terminal – 6:25am
Ferry Leaves Mayne – 7:05am
*with assured loading*
Bus Drop Off Points – Sidney
– Save On Foods & Shoppers
– Fairview Market
– Thrifty’s
– Canadian Tire
– Special Requests
*Special Stops must be requested 24 hours in advance*
Tuesday Afternoons – Sidney to Mayne Island
Pick Up Points – Sidney
– Save On Foods & Shoppers
– Fairview Market
– Thrifty’s
– Canadian Tire
– Special Requests
Ferry Leaves Sidney to Mayne – 4:20pm
*with assured loading*
Top of Terminal Drop Off – approx. 5:20pm
Mayne Island Library Drop Off – approx. 5:40pm