Victoria: Route 53 Service Change

Consultation has concluded

June 28 2021 Service Change

On June 28, 2021, a new schedule will be implemented in the Victoria Regional Transit System. As a part of this change, Route 53 Colwood Exchange / Langford Exchange via Atkins will be re-aligned and extended to terminate at the Victoria General Hospital rather than Colwood Exchange.

This change was proposed in the completed Burnside/Tillicum Local Area Transit Plan and the nearly completed Esquimalt/View Royal Local Area Transit Plan. Engagement results from both plans indicated a high level of support for changes to Route 53.

Keep reading to learn all about the upcoming change. Based on public feedback, a decision was made to maintain service to the west end of Goldstream Avenue.

Get involved by:

  • Asking us a question about the upcoming changes to Route 53
  • Making a comment to let us know how you feel about the upcoming changes

What are we changing?

  • Service will begin/terminate at Victoria General Hospital rather than Colwood Exchange
  • Year-round service will be provided to Thetis Lake Regional Park
  • Select trips will provide service to/from downtown

Transfer opportunities will be available along the Old Island Highway.

Why are we changing it?

This change will improve access to Victoria General Hospital, local services and employment at Eagle Creek, and provide year-round service to Thetis Lake Regional Park.
Select trips that will operate to/from downtown will provide a commuter service for residents of Langford and Colwood.

June 28 2021 Service Change

On June 28, 2021, a new schedule will be implemented in the Victoria Regional Transit System. As a part of this change, Route 53 Colwood Exchange / Langford Exchange via Atkins will be re-aligned and extended to terminate at the Victoria General Hospital rather than Colwood Exchange.

This change was proposed in the completed Burnside/Tillicum Local Area Transit Plan and the nearly completed Esquimalt/View Royal Local Area Transit Plan. Engagement results from both plans indicated a high level of support for changes to Route 53.

Keep reading to learn all about the upcoming change. Based on public feedback, a decision was made to maintain service to the west end of Goldstream Avenue.

Get involved by:

  • Asking us a question about the upcoming changes to Route 53
  • Making a comment to let us know how you feel about the upcoming changes

What are we changing?

  • Service will begin/terminate at Victoria General Hospital rather than Colwood Exchange
  • Year-round service will be provided to Thetis Lake Regional Park
  • Select trips will provide service to/from downtown

Transfer opportunities will be available along the Old Island Highway.

Why are we changing it?

This change will improve access to Victoria General Hospital, local services and employment at Eagle Creek, and provide year-round service to Thetis Lake Regional Park.
Select trips that will operate to/from downtown will provide a commuter service for residents of Langford and Colwood.

Consultation has concluded

Do you have questions about the upcoming service change? 

Ask your question here and we'll share your question and the answer for others to see.

Questions can also be answered privately if they're not appropriate for sharing

  • Will frequency of bus service be improved? The current schedule will remain a barrier for potential commuters or those needing to make appointments, pick up school children etc. Ideally every 10 minutes in summer, especially for those from Westshore to City, who want access to Thetis Lake regional park. Thanks.

    THX1138 asked almost 4 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Service levels will remain the same on Route 53 for the upcoming service change on June 28th. We monitor ridership on an ongoing basis to match service levels to demand. We will continue to monitor ridership across the transit system and will monitor the performance of Route 53 following the upcoming changes. 


    Prior to the change on June 28, schedules will be posted on this page and will also be available for preview at this link: https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/schedules-and-maps/route-overview?route=53

  • Could you increase service on the Route 53?

    Matthew Dunlop asked almost 4 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Service levels will remain the same on Route 53 for the upcoming service change on June 28th. We monitor ridership on an ongoing basis to match service levels to demand. We will continue to monitor ridership across the transit system and will monitor the performance of Route 53 following the upcoming changes. 

    Prior to the change on June 28, schedules will be posted on this page and will also be available for preview at this link: https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/schedules-and-maps/route-overview?route=53