BC Transit received the EDI Award for “The West Coast Transit Service” at CUTA’s 2025 Awards Ceremony in Montreal.

The West Coast Transit Service was launched to address longstanding transportation inequities in remote Vancouver Island communities. Developed through a partnership between BC Transit, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and Watt Consulting Group, the service was designed with Indigenous leadership and community input to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and cultural events. It introduced bilingual English–French–Nuu-chah-nulth signage—the first of its kind for BC Transit, and affordable fares, with children riding free and adult fares capped at $5. By integrating digital fare tools, expanding service hours, and building on existing infrastructure, the initiative improved mobility while saving costs. Since its launch, ridership and community satisfaction have grown, especially among Indigenous communities, low-income families, and seasonal workers. Celebrated as a model for inclusive transit planning, it demonstrates how transit can advance reconciliation, equity, and community connection.