As the skiing and snowboarding season came to an end on Whistler Mountain Sunday, April 16, so did Whistler Transit System's winter schedule.
The regular seasonal service change means three routes—the #4 Marketplace shuttle, the #20X Cheakamus Express, and #32 Emerald (via Spruce Grove/White Gold)—are discontinued until next winter, while all other Whistler Transit routes began operating at spring base service levels on Monday, April 17.
"This regular seasonal service change reflects the closure of Whistler Mountain and the later daily opening of Blackcomb Mountain for spring skiing," BC Transit stated in a release. "Reduced seasonal service during non-peak times allows for increased service levels during the busier summer and winter seasons."
Sunday also marked the last day for free trips on route 7 to Staff Housing between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., which are sponsored by Whistler Blackcomb during the ski season. More trips, however, were added to the 7 Staff Housing route between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning this week. An exact schedule can be found in Whistler Transit's updated Rider's Guide.
Whistler Transit's summer service is slated to begin on Saturday, June 17, which will see the addition of extra trips to the 10-Valley Express route.
Whistler Transit offering free service on Earth Day, April 22
Whistler locals and visitors looking to decrease their carbon footprint on Earth Day can ride the bus for free on Saturday, April 22.
BC Transit and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is teaming up to offer the complimentary service alongside partners in Victoria, West Kootenay and South Okanagan-Similkameen.
"Earth Day highlights the importance of sustainability and encourages people to make choices that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and help protect our environment," BC Transit wrote in a release. "Taking public transit is one way to make a difference."
BC Transit aims to have a fully electric fleet up-and-running by 2040.
