LOCAL
Cowichan Valley Bus Service Resumes After Months-Long Shutdown
DUNCAN, B.C. — Public transit is rolling once again in the Cowichan Valley as fixed-route bus service resumed on October 6 following an eight-month shutdown caused by a labour dispute. The lengthy strike between transit workers and the service contractor left thousands of residents without reliable transportation, disrupting commutes, access to medical appointments, and daily routines for those without alternative travel options.
Relief for Riders as Service Returns
The agreement to end the dispute brings relief to riders, many of whom had been forced to rely on costly alternatives such as taxis or lengthy carpooling arrangements. Local officials welcomed the return of service, noting that the shutdown highlighted just how essential public transit is for the region’s economy and quality of life. With buses now back on the road, the focus has shifted to restoring public confidence and ensuring that service disruptions of this scale do not occur again.
Calls for Stronger Oversight and Investment
The labour dispute also sparked broader conversations about the sustainability of public transit funding and the role of contractors in delivering essential services. While the return of buses is a win for riders, municipal leaders and advocates say the experience underlines the need for stronger provincial oversight and long-term investment in transit infrastructure. For now, the resumption of service marks a positive step forward for Cowichan Valley residents eager to get moving again.