Bus routes servicing schools resume this weekend, ahead of students’ returning to their desks on Sept. 2.
The fall transit schedule will be effective in Fort St John as of Aug. 31, which means routes four and five, which travel southeast and southwest, respectively, will run.
Both routes operate when school is in session and have two scheduled trips per day. The bus paths begin running at 8:15 on weekday mornings at the North Peace Cultural Centre. Then, the next bus on these routes will not return until 3:25, where the first round of riders can hop on at the Cultural Centre.
When getting on, riders can tap their bus passes to pay for their trip, instead of showing the driver their card as proof of payment. This option will become available on the first day of September.
To help young passengers learn transit etiquette, like removing large backpacks and filling the bus from back-to-front, B.C. Transit has a “BusReady” program. The website has resources to build kids’ confidence, and help parents feel more comfortable, about taking the bus.
B.C. Transit’s upgrades will also introduce weekend handyDART service. This is a travel option provided by B.C. Transit for people with disabilities. Riders on handyDART buses will receive door-to-door transit, but they must share the bus with other people whom also require assistance.
People with temporary or permanent disabilities must register with the bussing company to use the handyDART service.
Accessible rides will run from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, with a break from 12 to 1. B.C. Transit said an increase in provincial and local government funding allowed them to provide additional accessible rides.
Despite these additions, B.C. Transit reminded riders in Fort St John that there will be no bus service on Labour Day.
