Know Before You Go

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and community continue to be our top priority as we begin to restart services. As such, the return of our operations will not be a “return to normal”. Along with increased cleaning procedures, we have implemented several new health and safety policies that reflect those approved by WorkSafe BC, Transport Canada, and the Provincial Health Authorities. We will continue to move cautiously forward as we navigate through this difficult time, keeping all those who have been affected close at heart and with gratitude towards all those who have been working tirelessly to help BC flatten the curve.

For more information, please see our full COVID Safety Plan.

What you need to know:

Vancouver Island Connector and Tofino Bus will be resuming a modified, 1 run per day service starting Friday, June 18, 2021. We will continuously monitor customer demand, as well as travel restrictions placed by the PHO and will increase this schedule as we deem necessary.

For more information on schedule changes, please see our schedules.

Booking Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on our website at www.viconnector.com.

In person ticket purchase is available at our Nanaimo Bus Depot (Departure Bay Foot Passenger Terminal) and Victoria Bus Depot (721 Douglas Street) locations. Please note the Victoria Bus Depot is currently selling tickets out of the Capital City Cafe located next door to the Depot. Hours of Operation vary depending on the location.

Reservations are required prior to boarding the bus. Cash payments to the driver upon pick‐up will no longer be accepted.

PPE/Masks

In accordance with the current Provincial Health Orders, The Company requires that all passengers wear a mask or face covering while checking in with the driver, and while onboard the buses and the BC Ferries.

Additionally, passengers should be aware that the buses will be returning to nearly full seating capacity, and that passengers may end up seated next to someone who is not a member of their household or bubble. Everyone’s level of comfort and tolerance for risk will be different and some people may wish to wear a mask, while some may not. The Company requests that all passengers please be respectful of others’ personal space and continue to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.

Social Distancing

To maintain an appropriate distance between passengers and the driver, we will be leaving the first row of seats behind the driver empty.

Food and Drink

Currently, we ask that all passengers refrain from bringing any food or beverage items on the bus. We reserve the right to ask that any passengers safely and appropriately dispose of their items before entering the bus.

Loading and Unloading

Upon arrival at each stop, please stay seated until instructed to exit the bus at each of our stops.

Washrooms

Unfortunately, at this time, washrooms onboard will not be in service. Customers who need to use the washroom must do so at one of our scheduled stops which are highlighted in yellow on our schedule.

Cancellation of Service

Vancouver Island Connector and Tofino Bus reserve the right to cancel any scheduled run due to low passenger counts. Should this occur, a full refund will be offered to any passengers that are affected.

COVID Screening Questions

Tofino Bus and Vancouver Island Connector reserve the right to screen passengers for symptoms of COVID‐19 using a series of questions (see below for an example). Passengers will be denied boarding if they answer yes or refuse to answer any screening questions. Passengers who display symptoms will be refused transportation and referred to the provincial government self‐assessment tool, consistent with Transport Canada COVID‐19 travel restrictions.

1. Do you have a fever and a cough?
2. Do you have a fever and breathing difficulty?
3. Have you been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID‐19?
4. Are you the subject of a provincial/territorial or local public health order?