Free rides offered as transit service resumes in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Fraser Valley next week

CHILLIWACK — Following a lengthy labour dispute, buses will be rolling again next week across the Fraser Valley. The move comes after CUPE Local 561 and First Transit Canada ratified a new contract July 21.

Rides will be offered at no cost thanks to a partnership between BC Transit and local governments in the Fraser Valley. The offer for free rides will be in place for the entire month of August.

In a news release, BC Transit says transit users in the Agassiz-Harrison, Central Fraser Valley, Chilliwack and Hope transit systems will see the resumption of service August 6. handyDART service resumes July 31 although customers can resume booking rides immediately.

Transit users are encouraged to check the BC Transit Rider’s Guide or visit the website of their local transit system. Riders can also sign up for alerts on their phones at bctransit.com/agassiz-harrison, bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley, bctransit.com/chilliwack and bctransit.com/hope.