BC Transit

BC Transit says a driver shortage is leading to 'service challenges' in Whistler this season, including last-minute trip cancellations and schedule changes.

[ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement](https://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/local-news/transit-strike-finally-ends-but-no-word-on-when-service-will-resume-5483251) this June, ending the longest transit strike in B.C. [NextRide](https://nextride.whistler.bctransit.com/?utm_source=pique%20newsmagazine&utm_campaign=pique%20newsmagazine%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral), or the [Transit App](https://transitapp.com/?utm_source=pique%20newsmagazine&utm_campaign=pique%20newsmagazine%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral) on mobile to stay up to date on their ride, and to check for service alerts regularly at [bctransit.com/whistler](https://bctransit.com/whistler?utm_source=pique%20newsmagazine&utm_campaign=pique%20newsmagazine%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral) for the most up-to-date information. The new deal included a 13.5-per-cent wage increase over the term, plus a two-per-cent signing bonus for 2022. Riders can also get route-specific alerts emailed to them directly by signing up [here](https://www.bctransit.com/whistler/schedules-and-maps/alerts?utm_source=pique%20newsmagazine&utm_campaign=pique%20newsmagazine%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral). According to the release, PWT is “actively recruiting transit operators and is working hard to hire more drivers to improve service reliability.” 19, BC Transit said the resort transit system is “currently experiencing service challenges” as a result of the ongoing labour shortage, which has resulted in “the need to sometimes alter schedules and cancel trips on short notice.” BC Transit added that, while contracted operating company [Pacific Western Transportation](https://www.pwt.ca/?utm_source=pique%20newsmagazine&utm_campaign=pique%20newsmagazine%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral) (PWT) is “working hard to maintain a balanced schedule during this time, weekend service will continue to see more impacts.”