Fraser Valley transit returns, free travel for August

Public transit is finally returning to service in the Fraser Valley, with BC Transit confirming all services will resume Aug. 6.

The public transit provider says service for HandyDART will start again on July 31, and bookings for that service can begin immediately, BC Transit said.

The resumption of service comes after months of negotiation and a four-month-long strike. The union representing striking transit workers says members ratified a new contract July 21, bringing the strike action to a close.

BC Transit says services will also be free for riders on conventional transit from Aug. 6 to Aug. 31 — excluding tickets and pass products.

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“BC Transit and our local government partners want to thank everyone for their patience during the service disruption and look forward to welcoming customers onboard again for free in the month of August,” the transit provider said.

CUPE 561 says the six-year agreement helps narrow the wage gap with other transit workers in the region — something the union’s president says they had been fighting for.

“Our members needed a lift, and with this agreement, they got one,” said President Randy Kootte.

Kootte says the union was also thankful for the support that workers received from Fraser Valley residents.

“We cannot thank our communities enough for supporting us in our struggle to achieve wage fairness and retirement security — and showing that support despite the many hardships and inconveniences people had to endure as the dispute dragged on,” he said.