Starting Dec. 1, commuters going from Pemberton to Whistler on the 99 Pemberton Commuter won’t be able to use a transfer from the 100 Pemberton Local.
The move comes as BC Transit ends the sale of legacy fare options after the transition to Umo fares, according to a media release from BC Transit on Oct. 22.
"A transfer is granted for riders travelling on the 100 Pemberton Local but riders travelling on the 99 Pemberton Commuter to Whistler will need to pay a standalone fare," the release states.
BC Transit is directing Pemberton commuters to use a DayPASS instead, which provides unlimited travel for the day and works for the Pemberton Local and Commuter services and costs $9, according to BC Transit.
A single ride standard fare costs $2.50 for the Local, and a standard ride for the 99 Commuter costs $4.50.
The move will likely impact commuters travelling for work or health-care between Pemberton and Whistler and was a point of contention during Pemberton’s All-Candidates Meeting Oct. 9.
The change won’t affect travellers going from Whistler to Pemberton, as they have never been able to transfer and have always paid the full fare when boarding the Pemberton Commuter, according to a spokesperson for BC Transit.
Other changes as of Dec. 1 include the end of 10-ticket, one-, four- and six-month passes and the annual pass fare products for the Pemberton Valley Transit System. They will be replaced with Umo card options.
A how-to guide for using Umo fare is available on BC Transit's website, and a customer support line is available at 877-380-8181 toll-free.
Cash is still accepted, and any remaining BC Transit legacy products are valid until used up.
