Programs > Transit Services

Smithers Transit

Smithers Transit now has two buses! The newest bus started operation in August 2008. The Smithers & District Transit System is available to everyone in our community! The service is sponsored by the Town of Smithers in partnership with the Village of Telkwa, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and BC Transit. The system is operated by Smithers Community Services Association. The system serves major neighbourhoods and destinations throughout the area, including the Rec Centre, College and Hospital.
The vehicles are equipped with accessible features to make boarding easier for those passengers with mobility difficulties. It is also equipped with a lift for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters. The buses also have bike racks.
Two different kinds of transit service are available:

Fixed Route Transit
Provides six scheduled trips Tuesday to Friday and five trips on Monday between Smithers and Telkwa, including trips to some areas of the Regional District. Limited Saturday service is available. These trips also offer deviated door-to-door service for passengers who are less physically mobile. Monthly Passes and the BC Bus Pass Program offer savings to fixed route passengers. (Please see the schedule you may download at the end of this document.)

Door To Door Transit

Provides convenient transportation to and from destinations in the Smithers and Regional District areas. Passengers book these trips in advance through the Smithers Transit dispatcher. DISPATCH IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY SO PLEASE CALL DURING THE WEEK TO BOOK IN ADVANCE.

Door-to-Door Transit within the Smithers & Regional District areas

How to Use the Service
Please call the Smithers & District Transit office at 250-847-4993 to become a passenger on your transit system. The first time you call you may be asked for your name, address and telephone number, as well as any medical facts that we should be aware of. This information will be kept confidential.

Hours of Operation
Door-to-Door service operates Monday through Friday in intervals between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm and Saturday from 9:30am to 4:00pm. There is no regular service in the evenings, on Sundays or on statutory holidays.

Booking a Door-to-Door Trip
Call 250-847-4993 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. At other times, and between 12:00pm and 1:00pm on weekdays, a telephone answering service is avalable to take your call. Please leave your name, when you want to travel and a phone number where you can be reached. The dispatcher will return your call as soon as possible.
When you book a trip, please be ready with the following information:

Your name and the day on which you wish to travel.
The exact address where you wish to be picked up and dropped off.
The time at which you wish to arrive at your destination.
If you will be accompanied by an attendant and how many others will be travelling with you.
Whether you will be walking, using a mobility aid or any other special equipment.
If you need a return trip, let the dispatcher know the time you wish to return.

Be flexible, as you may have to adjust your trip time to fit the busy door to door service schedule. Remember, the door to door service is a shared ride public transit system.

Cancelling a Trip
If your plans change, please phone 250-847-4993 as soon as possible so we can schedule a trip for someone else.

Carry on Baggage
Due to space limitations, a limited number of groceries, parcels or other luggage may be carried on board. None of these items may be stored on the bus after your ride has ended. Call 250-847-4993 for more information.

When the Bus Arrives
Trip schedules are constantly changing as new reservations and cancellations are received. Expect your bus to arrive up to 15 minutes before or after your scheduled time. Please be on time and waiting for the bus when it arrives. It is not necessary to wait outside but if you are being picked up at an apartment complex or commercial building, we ask that you wait in the lobby for the bus to arrive.

Passenger Safety
The bus may be equipped with seatbelts and wheelchair restraints. The driver will assist you in fastening these for your safety and comfort. These should be used at all times.

Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs and Scooters)
Mobility aids must be safe and well maintained to be carried on the bus. The design of the bus limits the type of mobility aids which can be safely carried.
To ensure safety a mobility aid cannot be larger than the hoist platform.

Ambulatory scooter users are encouraged to transfer to a seat in the bus whenever possible.

Please note: Smithers Transit is a “shared ride” system. Other passengers are picked up and dropped off on route. At certain times when demand for service is heavy, you may be asked to reschedule or modify your plans to fit in with other trips.

If the bus has not arrived at the scheduled time, please be patient. Weather or traffic conditions may have caused a delay. If the bus is more than 15 minutes late, please call 250-847-4993 to inquire about your pickup .

Travel Tips
Call when you change your plans to cancel a trip. Smoking is not permitted on the bus. Do not ask the driver to make another trip once you are aboard. This will only keep someone else waiting.

Fares
Cash Fares:
Zone A (for travel within Smithers only)
Adult $2.25
Senior/Student $2.00
Child (under 5) $1.25

Zone B (Regional District & Telkwa)
Adult $2.75
Senior/Student $2.50
Child (under 5) $1.25

Tickets – Sheets of 10
Zone A
Adult $20.00
Senior/Student $17.00

Zone B
Adult $25.00
Senior/Student $22.00

Monthly Pass
This pass is good for travel on the fixed route only.
Adult $50.00
Senior/Student $45.00 **

Telkwa Elemetary Student Fares
Student Fare $2.00
Monthly Pass $17.00

Tickets and Monthly Passes are available from your driver

You can save on each monthly bus pass you purchase by claming a tax credit on your income tax return. Visit www.transitpass.ca for more details.

**Reduced fare is available to passengers with valid ID: Seniors (65 & over); Students to grade 12. Child fare applicable only if accompanied by a paying adult. Attendants ride free.

A Universal bus pass is available for low income seniors and persons with disabilities, providing unlimited access on the bus route service only.

Phone to book: 250-847-4993

Transit Rider’s Guide 2008 .pdf
Please Note: The fares on the Rider’s Guide have changed. Fares are itemized above on this page.

Program Manager – Mike Wyllie
Driver – George Halle

Charter Service
Charter service may be available. Please discuss your needs with the dispatcher or the driver. (Rates available on request).

Additional Transit Services