Service suspended in the Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton transit systems

“The District of Squamish is keeping in close contact with BC Transit on the labour dispute between BC Transit's contractors and their unionized employees. We share in the frustration of our community’s transit riders as we know this will be inconvenient and potentially very difficult for individuals. We hope that the parties will continue their dialogue to find a resolution quickly. Please note that handyDART service is deemed an essential service and is therefore continuing on weekdays.

During the pandemic, we have asked the community many times to focus on kindness and helping others. This job action will impact the ability of essential workers to get to their jobs, people trying to get groceries and to appointments, and young people who use transit to get to school. Please reach out to your neighbours to ask for or offer help during this transit disruption.” 

~ Karen Elliott, Mayor

BC Transit is updating its riders in the Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton Valley transit systems, that the Unifor Local 114 union operating under Whistler Transit Ltd. and Diversified Transit has indicated they will take strike action as of 5 a.m. Saturday, January 29.

This action will suspend transit services and our customers’ ability to use the public transit services. At this time BC Transit cannot be certain as to the length of the job action. However, handyDART service in Squamish, which is deemed an essential service, will operate with full-service hours on weekdays.

BC Transit sincerely apologizes to customers for the inconvenience caused by this matter. BC Transit understands the frustration felt by customers, and that the job action is difficult for everyone involved in the region.

BC Transit is the Provincial Crown Agency responsible for the delivery of transit services outside of Greater Vancouver. They contract the services of private operating companies to deliver these transit services. These companies hire and manage their own workforces.

The labour dispute is between BC Transit’s contractors – Whistler Transit Ltd. and Diversified Transit – and their unionized employees. BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and hopes the parties will find a resolution soon.

BC Transit will update customers as more information becomes available. We encourage customers to sign up to receive alerts for their specific transit system at bctransit.com/whistler, bctransit.com/squamish and bctransit.com/pemberton-valley.

Customers may also follow @BCTransit on Twitter for updates. 

January 28, 2022