Sooke used to have all-day direct transit service to Victoria; but now, riders disembark at the Langford/Downtown Exchange and catch the #95 ‘Blink’. It is evident (in my rider experience and observation), that it is certainly more inconvenient for seniors and people with disabilities.
There is also the challenging return trip to Sooke. If the Langford/ Sooke ’Blink’ is delayed, you could miss the connecting #61 bus, and wait another 30-45 minutes – sometimes enduring pouring rain, gusty winds and cool temperatures.
Another major inconvenience: no washrooms for the general public. There's one existing, bona-fide washroom for bus drivers only at the Langford/Victoria station, none at the Langford/Sooke Station stop; so you're left squirming like a toad. Perhaps a monitored public porta-potty or two might help?
The District of Sooke should lobby BC Transit for a revamped bus service schedule, calling on them to reinstate direct bus service to Victoria and Sooke, and offer free transit service for 'registered' Sooke residents
These two initiatives could help reduce traffic congestion. Sooke's projected burgeoning population growth is putting an enormous strain on Sooke taxpayers; you need only to examine Sooke's recently proposed long-term $50 million active transportation borrowing plan.
Mick Rhodes
Sooke
