BC Transit is seeking your input on a proposal to implement the Route 96 McKenzie RapidBus Line.

We want to hear feedback based on your experiences traveling along the Tillicum-McKenzie corridor, including routing in the Uptown area and connecting to and from Esquimalt and UVic.

To implement the Route 96 McKenzie RapidBus Line, we are proposing changes to four existing routes and the addition of two new routes.

We want to hear your feedback on these proposed changes!

How Did We Get Here?

It began with the Transit Future Plan (TFP) in 2011, which identified different types of transit service to best meet the existing and future needs of the region. The Plan identified that Rapid Transit should serve key transportation corridors connecting major regional destinations, supported by transit priority measures to improve travel time and service reliability. This concept evolved into the 2021 RapidBus Implementation Strategy, which further detailed the Rapid Transit Network into three distinct RapidBus routes, along with proposed RapidBus station locations.

What is RapidBus? How is it Different?

Existing vs. Proposed Future Network

To implement the Route 96 McKenzie RapidBus Line, we are proposing changes to existing Routes 24, 25, 26 and 72, plus two additional new routes:

16 Uptown/UVic (via Cedar Hill X Road)
40 Dockyard/UVic (via Admirals and McKenzie)

These images below highlight the current service along McKenzie Avenue and the projected network once the Route 96 McKenzie Rapid Bus Line launches. For further details on the present and future transit network for the Tillicum-McKenzie corridor, please click here (Slides 6 - 10b).

Existing Service on McKenzie Avenue

Future Service on McKenzie Avenue

Similar to how the Route 95 RapidBus Line functions, the proposed 96 McKenzie RapidBus will serve key bus stops along the corridor with local routes serving the remaining bus stops.

Steps Towards 96 McKenzie RapidBus

Phase 1:

Arrival of new buses (2025).
Introduce Route 40 Dockyard/UVic.
Realign Route 24 Cedar Hill/Tillicum Centre.
Realign Route 25 Maplewood/Dockyard.

Phase 2:

Ravine Way bus lane is built.
New stations at Carey Road and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Replacement double-deckers arrive (2025/26).
Establish Route 96 McKenzie RapidBus.
Adjust local routes: Realign Routes 26 Dockyard/Uptown and 72 Swartz Bay/Downtown.
Introduce Route 16 Uptown/UVic.

Phase 3:

McKenzie RapidBus stations are built.
Bus priority is built on McKenzie Avenue to support Route 96.
Buildup of Route 96 McKenzie RapidBus service levels.
Improve service on Route 16 Uptown/UVic.
Implement new Route 29 Uptown/UVic.
Increase service on Route 40 Dockyard/UVic.
Adjust Route 25 Maplewood/Dockyard.

We Want to Hear from You!

Your input is invaluable as we embark on the Tillicum-McKenzie Corridor Transit Plan. Your responses will shape the future of transit in Victoria and guide the optimization of existing routes to better serve the community's needs.

Please take a moment to participate in our survey by clicking the "Take Survey" button below. Your contribution is immensely appreciated.