Island’s Only Inter-City Coach Service Returns
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024
VICTORIA, BC – The Wilson’s Group of Companies will be bringing back the Island’s “Tofino Bus” with the first runs up and down Vancouver Island happening on Easter Weekend.
“We believe this is a vital link to bridging Vancouver Island for residents and visitors,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of The Wilson’s Group. “Our team continues to work with governments at all levels to find increased supports towards vital year-round service, but for now, we will have buses hitting the roads starting Friday, March 29 for as long as the market allows us.”
In 2019, Wilson’s provided 82,500 trips to twenty-nine communities and twenty-one First Nations and First Nations organizations on Vancouver Island. Due to COVID 19 work and travel restrictions, revenue on these routes lessened drastically.”We are still finding our way out the other side of the pandemic and, with the support of our island communities, we are bringing back and strengthening key services like the Tofino Bus.” While this intercity bus service provides the same essential service as public transit, as a privately owned company without any government subsidies, it depends on ticket sales to cover costs. The full sized motor coaches will be equipped with seat belts, individual reclining seats, luggage space and washrooms.
Service will grow throughout the spring and summer with a schedule of Victoria to Tofino routes happening Thursdays to Sundays, while travel back down the Island will occur Fridays to Mondays. The northbound buses will also be bringing weekend editions of the Times Colonist to the region on weekends to help bridge the Island.
“We truly do live in one of the most special places in the world and we look forward to continuing to serve and give back to help connect these communities for many years to come”.
The Wilson’s Group of Companies is a locally-owned and operated charter bus company serving Vancouver Island and beyond. In operation since 1962, it provides exceptional service safely and on time.