The Town of Sidney Council in British Columbia has voted unanimously to oppose a proposal that would change a major bus route to include a stop at the airport terminal. Council members expressed concerns that the detour would add about 10 minutes to the trip for residents who rely on the bus to get to work or the ferry.
The proposal by BC Transit sought to reroute the Route 72 bus toward the Victoria International Airport to improve regional access. However, local leaders in Sidney say the change would likely lead to bus crowding and make commutes more difficult for those traveling between the town and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. The council decided to formally register their disapproval by sending a letter to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.
Public feedback gathered in February 2026 showed that while many people are interested in having a direct ride to the airport, there are significant worries about travel times. Many residents felt that the extra time added to the current route would outweigh the benefits of the new stop. Some riders also voiced concerns that the buses would become too full if the route was changed to accommodate airport travelers.
The Victoria Regional Transit Commission met on March 10, 2026, to review the proposal and public feedback. While a final decision on the implementation of the bus route change is pending, the future of the expansion remains uncertain following the strong local opposition. For now, the bus will continue to follow its regular path through Sidney without the added stop at the airport terminal.
