New transportation service launched connecting Tofino and Nanaimo

The mayor of Tofino, B.C., says he isrelieved to hear a Vancouver Island company has stepped in to offer transportationto and from Nanaimo.

IslandLink says it will operate a van service between Nanaimo and Tofino three times a week. Service will start on Jan.30.

Earlier this month, Wilson's Transportationsuspended its Island Connector and Tofino bus service until May citinga drop in ridership in the period after the holidays and before the summer.

The newroute will run in both directions between the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo and Tofino, serving points that include Port Alberni and Ucluelet. The company says it plans to operate year-round and start offering daily service as ofMay 18.

IslandLink owner Phillip Morgan says the route will be serviced byvans that carry up to 15 passengers, amorecost-effective optionthan the previous bus service.

"In our opinion, the highway coaches are just not needed," he said. "The small communities on the island just don'tgenerate that type of passenger demand for the vast majority of the year. They're justnot needed."

Callingthe announcement "exciting and promising," Tofino Mayor Dan Law says he is glad residents now have a newtransportation option.

"For a smaller bus to come and fill the gap, it seems like a totally reasonable, innovative solution," he said, addingit will give other levels of government more time to figure out a long-term transportation solution for the region.

MarcieDeWittwith the Alberni Clayoquot Health Network says she isrelieved, especially for seniors and vulnerable people without vehicles, although she'd like to see a more affordable price tag. IslandLink will charge $65 for a one-way ticket to Nanaimo.

"I think at this point, having any service in place will be a big relief to many community members," DeWitt said.