Last year saw the launch of the BusReady youth program and orders for redesigned buses, many of which will be hybrid or electric. Now, after a busy year for BC Transit, there’s much more in store for transit on the South Island in 2025.
First, Victoria riders will have more mobile payment options, joining Vancouver.
“Riders excited about the ability to pay with debit, credit, and mobile wallets won’t have to wait too long, with the next phase of BC Transit’s Umo project coming in 2025,” said Jamie Weiss, senior media relations and public affairs advisor for BC Transit.
Debuted in 2024, the Umo system allows for digital app payments. In the upcoming phase, more payment options will be available for transit users.
BC Transit is also set to expand its vehicle services in 2025 to meet growing public demand. The Victoria Regional Transit Commission has approved an increase in services during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
New buses ordered in 2024 will begin rolling out in 2025. Among them are 10 heavy-duty electric buses expected to arrive in Victoria early in the year.
To address immediate needs, BC Transit has non-electric buses coming – BC Transit is in the process of purchasing 80 diesel double-decker buses, Weiss said.
In addition to new buses, several infrastructure projects and initiatives are coming in 2025. A new handyDART centre will open in View Royal, aimed at enhancing ridership and providing additional support for vulnerable communities.
Construction is also wrapping up on View Royal transit priority lanes, designed to provide smoother, faster service for all buses using the corridor.
Work will continue in Colwood, where BC Transit will break ground on the transit priority lane project's next phase. Colwood will also host a new 30,000-square-foot distribution centre for BC Transit.
The year marks a significant period of growth for BC Transit, which saw a 14 per cent increase in boardings on fixed-route services in 2024. This rise in ridership led the province to fund 100,000 new annual service hours and 38 new buses for the 2024–25 fiscal year—the largest single-year expansion in BC Transit’s history.
