Read the following information on Victoria Explore.
Victoria Explore
Be an Explorer
The charm of the Victoria region holds many different and unique landscapes. The farmlands of the Saanich Peninsula complement the old English setting of Oak Bay Village. The marine viewpoints of Esquimalt Harbour together with the dramatic scenery of the Sooke Hills embrace the city of Victoria.
Get onboard our comfortable buses, enjoy the sights and neighbourhoods and let our bus drivers - the best in the west - show you around.
Victoria Regional Transit
The Victoria by Bus guidebook lists many attractions which are served by our buses - but there is lots more within walking distance of the bus routes. Buses run seven days a week, usually from 6 a.m. until midnight. Many of our suburban routes cannot offer the high frequency as some of our busier urban routes. The transit system serves all ferry terminals (Sidney, Swartz Bay, Odgen Point and downtown).
Accessible Transit
Getting around Victoria on public transit has never been easier for people with a disability. Low-floor accessible buses feature the absence of steps making it easier for everyone to use, especially people using wheelchairs, walkers or pushing baby strollers.
The entry level of the bus can be lowered to within four inches of a standard sidewalk so that a ramp can be used for people in wheelchairs.
Customer Information
For complete information on fares, routes and schedules, pick up a Victoria Rider's Guide, available on board the red, white and blue regional transit buses.
Busline, our 24-hour automated transit information system will help with route and scheduling planning. For personal service, you can reach our friendly customer information agents through Busline, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday or holidays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m..
Bus Stops
While exploring the area by bus, you will see two different types of bus stop signs. The long skinny ones identify a bus stop served by one route only. The rectangular signs indicate all the bus routes which will pick up or drop off at that bus stop.
When catching the bus, note that the route number and name are displayed on the front and both the left and right side panels of the bus; the route number appears in the bus's rear window too. This is important as sometimes the name changes when the bus changes direction, e.g. 14 University and 14 Craigflower.
Many downtown bus stops have information tubes which list the schedule of bus routes serving that bus stop.
Transfer Tips
When paying cash or using tickets, if you need to travel on more than one bus to complete your trip, ask your driver for a "transfer" when you get on the bus.
Transfers are free and are good for one-way travel only, unlike some other transit systems. The transfer you receive will only be valid for the first connecting bus.
Fare Zones
The transit service area is divided into two fare zones. The fare you pay is based on the number of zones you are travelling through. When making trips crossing a zone boundary, passengers pay a two-zone fare when using cash or tickets. Day passes are valid region wide.
Onboard our buses, you may pay your fare in cash (exact coin fare only please, drivers do not carry change), or by ticket, by showing your pass or a valid transfer when you board.
Save Money
If you plan to make several trips, consider a day pass and save money. The day pass can be used as many times as you wish in one day. These prepaid fares are sold in advance at convenience stores, Tourism Victoria and many other places through the area.
Reduced fares are available for children 5-14, for persons 65+ with proof of age, and for students 15-20 (to grade 12) who carry a valid GoCard. All others must pay the adult fare, including students who do not live in British Columbia.
Busline - 383-6161
Transit service for the Greater Victoria area is provided by the Victoria Regional Transit System in partnership with BC Transit. The Transit System is responsible for planning routes, setting fare levels, administering local funding and operating the system.