VIU Nanaimo Campus Looking West

Bus fleet services FAQs

Dated January 8, 2025

Why is VIU discontinuing bus fleet services?

This decision was made due to increasing safety and liability concerns, along with rising maintenance and repair costs, which have made it financially unsustainable for VIU to continue providing this service.

Who will be responsible for covering the costs of bus transportation services going forward?

Programs and departments will be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their bus transportation needs as of April 1, 2025. This may involve budgeting for transportation costs in the 2025/26 fiscal year and beyond.

Where can we rent buses or alternative transportation services?

While VIU will not directly recommend specific providers, we encourage you to explore local island transportation options to find the best option for your specific requirements.

Alternate transportation services may include private charter bus companies, local transit services (for smaller group needs) and car or van rental agencies.

Please note there are two passenger vans available in our fleet to accommodate smaller groups.

Can VIU help negotiate group rates with transportation providers?

At this time, VIU is not planning to facilitate group rate agreements. Programs are encouraged to collaborate and explore bulk booking or shared transportation options if there are multiple users with similar needs.

What about existing reservations for bus fleet vehicles?

VIU's bus fleet service will remain operational until March 31, 2025. Any confirmed reservations will be honoured, with new or pending reservation requests being processed using the priority-based model.

Will Facilities Services and Campus Development (FSCD) provide guidance or resources for alternative travel arrangements?

While FSCD will no longer manage bus fleet transportation services directly, we are happy to provide general advice or share potential resources to help users identify suitable alternatives.

Is there any financial assistance available to help users transition to alternative arrangements?

At this time, VIU does not have any specific funding available for bus transportation costs. Users will need to plan accordingly as part of their budgets moving forward.

How will this change affect liability for transportation?

Once VIU's bus fleet services are phased out, liability for transportation will shift to the programs or external providers users contract with. It is important for users to ensure any external provider has appropriate insurance and meets safety standards.