Those planning to leave their car at home will likely be paying a buck for the bus during Canada Day and Nautical Days festivities, as recommended by the regional district committee of the whole. At Tuesday's meeting, the committee favored the idea of exploring sponsorship opportunities that could result in further discounted or free special service bus fare.An amendment from Starr Winchester to exclude $5,000 for advertising carried unanimously. The Courtenay director thinks it's an excessive amount."We're already subsidizing the bus fare," she said, referring to the board's approval of free transit service to Empire Days in Cumberland. "Let's work within the budget we have."The 2012 budget includes $20,000 to operate a special event service, based on last year's costs. An additional $5,000 has been included for advertising in the 2012-2016 financial plan. The idea is to assist event organizers with limited budgets. Regular bus fares are $1.50 for seniors and youths, and $1.75 for adults. According to a staff report, free or discounted service can attract new riders and is a common practice to support community events throughout B.C.This year, ridership is estimated at 1,000 for Canada Day and Nautical Days, which could generate about $875. If fare was set at the regular rate, the CVRD could receive between $1,300 and $1,500. However, full fare service is not likely to attract as many riders.Courtenay director Jon Ambler, noting a significant difference between free and modest amounts, concurs with Winchester that $5,000 is a large sum. Comox director Patti Fletcher recalled the comforts of free bus service that helped riders familiarize themselves with the village during the 2010 Olympics in Whistler. "There's some real value to that," she said, noting the downfalls associated with a lack of advertising last year. Comox director Tom Grant said the cost benefit analysis of spending $5,000 to attract 1,000 riders does not make sense, noting visitors would not be re-using the buses. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
