Whistler Transported – and All For a Toonie

Whistler is a place known for riding. Its ground-breaking terrain parks, adrenaline and gravity-fed bike park and epic big mountain experience have produced accolades, fans and amazing athletes.

During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler cultivated a new breed of rider – the bus rider. With all of Whistler’s public parking completely closed, the “Green Games’” were all about public transportation; those who normally drive found themselves riding the bus – and they liked it! BC Transit increased Whistler’s bus fleet from 39 to 135 buses to handle the extra riders and service ran 24 hours a day.

“I met neat people from around the world,” says Jodi Westbury. “It kind of extends the conversations that are otherwise reserved for the chair lift.”

Squamish resident Diana Lyons thought it was the perfect post-Après transportation. “You can have a good time without the worry of wondering how you’re going to get home.”

Leaving only water in their wake, Whistler boasts the largest hydrogen bus fleet in the world. The 20 emission-free buses are twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. As one of the many sustainability initiatives for the Games, the buses transported residents and visitors around Whistler beginning in mid-November. After being showcased in Whistler during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the buses remain as part of the regular Whistler Transit fleet until approximately 2017.

The earth-friendly locals have always been big fans of the bus, but Whistler’s hydrogen fleet has made the bus that much more desirable. Even better, at $2 a ride during the Games, it preserved the budget as much as the environment.

In Whistler it really is the perfect pairing…a vibrant pedestrian village fed by a well constructed public transportation system. For both visitors and locals, it makes getting around and enjoying this amazing place, amazingly easy.