Proposed New Sea to Sky Regional Transit Service

District of Squamish
Electoral Area C
Electoral Area D
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Village of Pemberton

The Vision for a new Sea to Sky Regional Transit service

Transit future plan cover page

The Sea to Sky Transit Future Plan was developed in 2015 by BC Transit, working with the L̓il̓wat Nation, the Village of Pemberton, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw,  the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the District of Squamish, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

It outlines how transit in the region could grow by the year 2040, including a stronger link between our communities and connecting the Líl’wat Nation and Metro Vancouver.

Over 2,000 community members contributed ideas through public engagement and surveys.

3 transit themed images

Key Outcomes

Two major outcomes came from the plan:

Transit draft plan cover page

  1. Regional Transit Study (2017):

    • Explored short- and medium-term options for new regional and inter-regional bus service.
    • Led to the creation of the Sea to Sky Regional Transit Committee.  
    • Brought together local governments and First Nations to plan for future regional transit.

    After the Study was completed, the SLRD Board Chair signed a Memorandum of Understanding [PDF/90KB] with local and First Nation governments to work towards establishing a governance and funding model for a new Sea to Sky Regional Transit system. The Province requested the MOU to show cohesion. This led to the creation of a Sea to Sky Regional Transit Committee to pursue a sustainable governance and funding structure.

  2. Governance and Funding:
    1. A Regional Transit Commission was recommended with equal representation from the L̓il̓wat Nation, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and municipal and regional district partners.
    2. A Motor Fuel Tax for Sea to Sky gas stations was proposed to help fund operations, instead of raising property taxes, to keep costs low for riders and residents. Sea to Sky gas stations currently have no Motor Fuel Tax fees for transit. Although the Province did not support the commission or fuel tax at that time, discussions continued.

A recent meeting between Sea to Sky community representatives and the Premier’s Office at UBCM on September 25, 2025, generated optimism that regional transit could soon move forward.

Why Regional Transit Matters

Public transit is more than transportation—it connects people, cultures, supports the economy, and protects the environment. 

Benefits include:

  • Easier access to jobs, schools, and services.
  • Reduced traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improved community resilience and air quality.
  • Stronger social and economic connections between communities.
Public transit strengthens communities by increasing mobility, boosting the economy, and promoting a healthy, sustainable region.

Next Steps

The Sea to Sky Regional Transit Committee continues to work with the Province to advance a regional transit system that better serves local communities and strengthens connections between Líl’wat Nation and Metro Vancouver.

Regional Transit is a strategic project of the SLRD. Public transit is a key part of the region’s transportation network. Improving transportation linkages and expanding travel options are priorities identified in the SLRD Regional Growth Strategy. Aligned with this, the transportation strategy in the SLRD Integrated Sustainability Plan highlights public transit as a preferred mode of travel for the region.