Victoria coach bus terminal to close due to reduced demand

Due to reduced demand and changing times, the Wilson’s Group says they will be closing the Douglas Street Capital City Station bus terminal on Feb. 28. Since 2016, the station has been used by Greyhound, the YYJ Airport Shuttles, Tofio Bus Lines, the B.C. Ferries Connector and Grey Line Sightseeing after the closure of the former bus depot in downtown Victoria. Recently, fewer operators have been using the space since Greyhound Canada exited the market, the YYJ Airport Shuttle service wasn’t renewed after the pandemic, and many operators have looked at more efficient operating models to address rising business costs. As a result, Wilson’s Group says the operating costs of Capital City Station no longer align with the demand for its services. “Our plan is to move to a more modern, curb-side model for our B.C. Ferries Connector service,” noted Travis Wilson, chief operating officer for the Wilson’s Group, in a news release. He says it’s a move many other scheduled service operators are making with the rising costs of brick and mortar. Wilson’s Group says they plan to enable ticket sales directly through drivers, as well as through industry partners like Destination Greater Victoria’s Visitor Centre and local hotels. Tickets can also be purchased online at bcfconnector.com. “Our company spearheaded the opening of Capital City Station, and we’ve worked diligently as its owner to keep it operating over the years,” noted Wilson. “While it is unfortunate this decision had to be made, we are confident our customers will continue to receive the same level of service through alternative avenues, while allowing our tickets to remain competitively priced.”