Q: Where can I learn more about the SRCHN’s Seniors’ Activity Bus (aka “the seniors’ bus”)?

A: sookeregionchn.org/activitybus

Email: assist@sookeregionchn.org.

Call the SRCHN Office: 778-365-1878.

Q: How many passengers can the seniors’ bus take?

A: There is room for 17 day trippers, one volunteer guide and one wheelchair with an occupant.

Q: How can I find the Seniors’ Bus trips calendar?

A: SRCHN website: sookeregionchn.org/activitybus

Sooke Museum Event Calendar

Sooke News Mirror Community Calendar

To note: The last Thursday of each month, the bus is reserved for Ayre Manor Residents. Destinations may vary and are agreed upon with Ayre Manor. The last Sunday of each month is reserved for a dinner out. Locations will vary.

Q: How do I register for membership and/or a trip?

A:You can visit the SRCHN website: https://www.sookeregionchn.org/activitybus For membership, you can fill out a form on that webpage. For registration, a link on that webpage will take you to an Eventbrite page where you can register and purchase tickets. There you will also be able to see how many spots are left. If you wish to have door-to-door pick-up, you will be required to provide your address.

Q: How much does membership cost?

A: Membership costs $100.00 per year.

Q: Why do I need membership?

A: With membership, you can ride for half price on most trips. We are still trying to figure this out, so pricing may vary, but with membership you are supporting the bus staying in operation. Membership link:

To encourage Ayre Manor residents to take the seniors bus again, and on a trial basis for “Ayre Manor” days only (last Thursday of the month), Ayre Manor residents will ride at membership rates even if they are not members. However, we do hope that they will wish to become members when they see how great the bus trips are. 

Q: Can the bus pick me up and drop me off at home?

A: For those with mobility issues, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off are available within the Sooke District. If you require door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, let us know when you register including your address. An extra $5.00 fee will be charged. Home pick-up time will depend upon the number of those needing home pick-ups. You will be contacted individually in advance as to approximate home pick-up time.

Q: What is the price for trips?

A: We are still trying to figure out the cost per trip, especially as fuel prices fluctuate. Prices will be posted with each trip, but we will try our best to make it as reasonable as possible. If the social event includes a meal at a specific location, that would be paid by the participant at the eatery. Show or event tickets will also be covered by the participant. Pick-up and Drop-off point for all trips is Sooke Community Hall. For those with mobility issues, home pick-up and drop-off within the District of Sooke, may be arranged at an added fee of $5.00.

Q: What about those who live in Otter Point, Shirley and East Sooke?

A: When we get another driver, we hope to include trips for residents that live around the Sooke District. Please stay tuned to announcements about potential changes in geographic coverage.

Q: I am a member, but I want to bring a friend along who is not a member. How would that work?

A: All non-members would have to pay full price.

Q: How do you decide the bus schedule?

A: We are a small working group making plans. If you have any suggestions regarding trips, please do let us know. However, we do wish to stay on the South Island for the time being.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: If this 17 passenger bus is less than half full (under 9 passengers) the trip may be cancelled. SRCHN will decide if the bus will proceed 48 hours in advance of departure. If the trip is cancelled due to a driver being ill and no replacement can be found, the trip will be refunded. We do not drive on “snow days”. In the case of any trip cancellation by SRCHN, all day trippers will be notified and refunded accordingly. Passengers may cancel up to 48 hours before trip departure, whereupon refunds will be provided.

Q: How is that SRCHN is now running the Seniors Bus?

A: The Seniors Activity Society owned and managed the bus for many years. Their board did some succession planning and asked SRCHN to take over. The handover took place in 2022.