District of Squamish is planning to renew free summer weekend transit in the community.
At a Committee of the Whole meeting in early March, council recommended that staff work on free summer weekend transit from mid-June to the end of Labour Day weekend. The free weekend transit was first introduced in 2019 with support of the Sea to Sky Gondola.
According to a staff report, free summer weekend transit was well received in the community, encouraging car free travel to popular local destinations while providing an opportunity for people to try out transit without the barrier of fares. According to the report, there hasn’t been any issues related to free weekend service and staff recommends continuing the program.
District staff is planning to work with the Sea to Sky Gondola to update the Transit Partnership Agreement to support free summer weekends in 2023. The transit budget will also be adjusted to include free summer weekends. Meanwhile, work is also underway on possible transit route to south Squamish. Staff is investigating options for transit to Stawamus First Nation, Waterfront Landing and the Oceanfront development area. This would either be a new transit route or an on-demand option that combines fixed-route and more flexible service.
David Lassmann says
Transit service to Alice Lake Park and Brohm Lake Recreational Area would also be good for those who cannot drive a car.