New 'RapidBus' route to make for a speedier commute between the West Shore and downtown

A new rapid bus route is now operating, connecting the West Shore and downtown Victoria.

BC Transit says that the flagship “RapidBus” route started running on April 10, 2023, replacing the Route 50 Langford/Downtown.

BC Transit said that the new RapidBus service outperforms the personal vehicles in “speed, comfort and reliability.”

Customers can expect an increase in service levels on the new 95 West Shore-Downtown line, with a bus to arriving every 7-8 minutes during peak travel times and a minimum of every 15 minutes at any Blink RapidBus stop between 7am and 10pm Monday – Saturday and 8am-10pm on Sundays.

The new Route 95 will provide 21 more additional weekday trips than the existing Route 50, 11 additional trips on Saturdays, and 20 additional trips on Sundays.

Route 95 will stop at fewer bus stops than the Route 50, which means more time travelling and less time at bus stops, so customers will need to check if their closest stop is a Blink RapidBus stop—customers will know they’re at a RapidBus stop if they see the new orange signage.

As for Route 61 Sooke, some changes were made to improve service frequency and create efficiencies. Overall the route will have significant all-day service improvements, however, during non-peak travel times, customers will be required to transfer to the Route 95 at the Langford Exchange if their destination is Downtown Victoria.

For more information about the new Route 95 changes, please click here.