The public bus service connecting Tofino and Ucluelet is expanding in the new year.
Starting Jan. 4, 2026, West Coast Transit riders will benefit from more frequent midday trips and a late-night service will also be reintroduced, with buses departing Ucluelet at 9:20 p.m. and Tofino at 10:25 p.m.
Operated by BC Transit and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), the West Coast Transit System has stops in Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ community of hitaću, and the Tla-o-qui-aht communities of Esowista and Ty-histanis.
“This transit expansion is another win for West Coast communities,” said Samantha Hackett, Tourism Tofino’s newly appointed executive director.
“For residents, it improves safety, accessibility and everyday mobility. For visitors, the reintroduced late-night service opens new possibilities – such as staying in Ucluelet while enjoying an evening meal or event in Tofino and returning safely without relying on a car. Reliable, well-funded public transit strengthens community wellbeing while supporting a more sustainable visitor economy,” she said.
The service expansion to the West Coast Transit System was made possible by an increase in local government and provincial funding, according to BC Transit.
“The operating grant provided in the 2025-26 provincial budget will allow BC Transit and its local government partners to continue to provide safe and reliable service and demonstrates that public transit remains a priority in our communities,” said BC Transit.
Originally launched in April 2024 by the ACRD, the West Coast Transit System transitioned to BC Transit on March 1, 2025, with five brand new 2024 Chevrolet ARBOC buses decked in green livery to showcase the organization’s commitment to “modern, climate-friendly public transit options”.
BC Transit incorporated Nuu-chah-nulth language on all new bus stop signs within the refreshed West Coast Transit System, which was a historical first for the province’s official transit service provider.
The transportation company says their West Coast route has seen about 2,400 monthly passenger rides since it started operating the service in March.
A single ride is $5 and a DayPass is $10. Children 12 and under are free. West Coast students are also free (with a student ID) and seniors 65 plus ride free too.
Riders can pay their fare using cash, the Umo Mobility app or a reloadable Umo card. Reloadable Umo cards are available for purchase at the District of Tofino Municipal Office, Ucluelet Community Centre and the Tourism Ucluelet office located at the Junction.
Buses are equipped with bike racks for daytime usage and some seats offer five-point seatbelts for passengers travelling with babies or toddlers. Surfboards are not permitted on the bus.
