Starting in 2026, new bus-only lanes on Highway 1 between McKenzie Avenue and the Leigh Road interchange are expected to speed up commutes for transit riders in the Victoria region. The project, led by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, aims to improve transit reliability and reduce travel times for bus passengers.
According to the province, the bus lanes will be operational during peak hours, with construction beginning in early 2026. The initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage public transit use and reduce congestion on one of the region's busiest highways. The lanes will be reserved for buses and emergency vehicles, ensuring faster and more predictable travel for transit users.
Local transit authorities, including BC Transit, have supported the project, noting that it could cut commute times by up to 10 minutes during peak periods. The project is funded through the provincial government's transit infrastructure budget, with no additional costs to local taxpayers.
