By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Oct 11, 2013
Eduardo Torres is doing what B.C. Transit, TransLink, and District of Squamish couldn’t.
Torres, a new resident of Squamish, has started a 21-seater commuter van service from downtown Squamish to downtown Vancouver. It made its inaugral run on Oct.1.
“I had the vehicles and the permit, so I thought why not put this to good use.” Eduardo Torres
Called the Squamish-Vancouver Express Shuttle, the non-stop express commuter will ply every day, except weekends and holidays.
It will take commuters to the Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver, at the intersection of Cordova and Seymour.
The bus leaves at 7 a.m. in the morning from adventure centre. On its way back, it leaves Vancouver at 5:30 p.m. from the Waterfront station.
The cost for a two-way ticket is $17, while a one-way run costs $15. The two-way ticket can be used in a week.
The bus service conflates his business interest with his commuting needs.
Torres recently bought a condo in Squamish after renting in North Vancouver for 10 years.
His company, Heading North Recreation, has been bringing skiing groups to Whistler in winter for private tours.
In summer, he turns his attention to Vancouver, renting his fleet of mini vans and passenger buses for private tours.
When Torres thought of buying a home, the family chose Squamish over White Rock and Langley.
“I knew this place before, and I really liked its location,” he said.
But as the Torres family planned the move to Squamish, they also debated over how he would commute to Vancouver for his work.
Then, he realised he had a permit to operate on the route.
All he had to do was advice the Transportation board of his intentions. He got the go-ahead from the ministry recently.
“I had the vehicles and the permit, so I thought why not put this to good use,” he said.
The recent cover story in the Squamish Reporter also made him aware for a need for this service, he said.
Commuters are his target market and he believes the cost ($17 for a return ticket) is reasonable.
It’s roughly what he believes what most people are spending on a commute, when considering the gas prices, car maintenance and depreciation.
“I know this had to be affordable,” he said.
If there is more demand for the bus service, he said might ply another bus on his fleet.
It’s based on a first come first serve basis, but commuters can call Eduardo Torres at 604-802-2119 if they have any questions.
He can also be reached via email at eduardo.torres@headingnorth.com
Susan Chapelle says
This is most fantastic news. Thank you Eduardo. Apparently going through multiple districts can only be done privately. So appreciate you initiating this service!
Eric Andersen says
West Coast Express is just one of many examples of a public transit service going through several municipal jurisdictions. It can be done. We can’t let you municipal politicians off the hook so easily!
john P. says
Well done ,it is about time we get a reliable way to Vancouver and back at a reasonable price. How about an afternoon run for appointment in the afternoon? All the best!!
Brandon graves says
Thank you so much for posting this. He really should do an evening run as well. When I go to Vancouver it’s usually on the weekends. And I know alot of people that do the same. What about stopping in Brittana Beach and Horseshoe Bay?
Jaclyn says
I agree this is great news! I appreciate that it is a non-stop service, because the commute to work is long enough already. From speaking with friends, I suspect the current schedule will suit 80% + of commuters, but perhaps with enough interest, an earlier morning/later evening bus could be added in the future?
Looking forward to trying it out next week – thank you Eduardo!
Tracey Saxby says
Fantastic! This is desperately needed, and I hope to see it succeed and expand!
Lauren Joy says
A win win! Good going Eduardo. Best of luck, no doubt it will catch on.
Auli Parviainen says
This is awesome and well-priced too. Ideal way to get started, hope we can build on your efforts Eduardo!
Meghan says
This is great news! Hopefully you do start an evening service too because as of April 13th when Pacific coach lines cuts its service times i am stranded!!! I don’t drive so i have no choice but to find another job just because of lack of transportation 🙁 . Such a great thing you have started!!
Karen says
Will the bus stop at West Vancouver?