travel assistance program form bc

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Patients travelling for medical specialist services

We offer free reservations and travel for patients travelling to and from medical specialist appointments as part of the BC Government's Travel Assistance Program (TAP). Support includes one under-height standard vehicle, patient and a travel escort if required. Free reservations are provided for TAP customers on all bookable routes, where space is available.

 Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

Offered by the bc government ministry of health.

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps patients with the cost of travel to and from medical specialist appointments. We enhance this program by providing free reservations on bookable routes, where space is available.  View government eligibility guidelines for TAP  

Medical Assured Loading (MAL)

Offered by bc ferries.

Medical Assured Loading (MAL) is only available for those travelling under the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) and who have a MAL letter from their medical practitioner that states that it is necessary for them to avoid a wait at the ferry terminal.

How to travel with TAP

Travelling with a tap booking.

To provide you with more travel certainty, you can book a free reservation online then redeem your booking at the terminal by presenting a completed TAP form to the ticket agent*. This is available on all bookable routes, where space is available.

To book a TAP reservation online:

• Choose your route and travel dates.
• Enter the number of passengers and select "Travel Assistance Program (TAP)" on the passenger details page. Enter all passengers travelling. Those who are not covered under the TAP program will pay the appropriate fare at the terminal when checking in.
• Select the "Reservation only" fare when choosing a sailing (reservation check-in policies apply).

You will need to enter credit card details to hold the reservation, but your credit card will only be charged if you do not redeem your booking or your TAP form is not completed (rates vary based on the route). Payment of additional passengers or vehicle length not covered by the TAP program will be collected at the terminal when checking in.

* If you arrive at the terminal without a completed TAP form, your booking will not be honoured and you will be charged the At Terminal fare. You then travel standby on the next available sailing. No refunds are available after you travel if you have an incomplete TAP form or have already paid your fare and reservation fee. If you do not cancel your booking in advance and choose not to travel, a no-show fee will be charged to your credit card on file. 

View change and cancellation fees policies

Travelling without a TAP booking

When you arrive at the terminal, present your completed TAP form to the ticket agent and you will travel standby on the next available sailing.

Important:  If you do not have a reservation, you may experience sailing waits at the terminal. Free reservations are provided for TAP customers on all bookable routes, where space is available.   

Fully bookable routes

We recommend booking a free TAP reservation online for our routes that are 100% bookable. MAL letters are not accepted on fully bookable routes.

Patients travelling on the following routes can make a free TAP booking online for any available sailing:

• Port Hardy – Prince Rupert
• Prince Rupert – Skidegate
• Port Hardy – Bella Coola, including sailings to Bella Bella, Klemtu, Shearwater and Ocean Falls
• Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands

If you are not able to find space on the sailing you need, contact our Customer Service Centre at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) and an agent will assist you.

If there is a ticket agent at the terminal, present them with your completed TAP form and MAL letter. They will board you on the next available sailing. If you are travelling through a terminal that does not have a ticket booth, make your presence known to a vessel crew member and present them with your TAP form and MAL letter. They will direct you on how to board the sailing.   

On non-bookable routes, you must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing’s departure time.

To receive MAL, patients must present the following to the ticket agent at check-in:

• A completed Ministry of Health Travel Assistance Program (TAP) Request for Travel Assistance form that includes a Medical Services Plan (MSP) confirmation number.
• A letter signed by your medical practitioner (see below under "Information for medical practitioners" for MAL letter requirements).

Medical Assured Loading letters must be issued to the patient by a medical practitioner and include the following information:

• Letterhead, including office address and contact information
• Date of issue
• Patient’s name (for minors, include the name of the parent or legal guardian)
• The route or departure terminals the patient will be travelling through.
• Date/s of travel or an expiry date. If no expiry date is given, the letter will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
• A statement reading: “This patient is travelling under the Provincial Government's Travel Assistance Program and requires Medical Assured Loading on the next available sailing as it is necessary for them to avoid a wait at the terminal.” Information regarding the patient’s condition or health is not required.
• Medical practitioner’s signature

Can I still call into the Customer Service Centre to make my booking? Yes, you can also call the Customer Service Centre at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) to make a TAP booking.  

What if my medical appointment changes and I have to cancel? Customers can find information about change and cancellation fees for TAP travel here .  

Why aren’t the cancellation and change policies the same for all routes? The TAP cancellation and change policies are based on the current terms and conditions for other fare types. For TAP bookings, we have added more flexibility as we understand medical appointments change or get cancelled. These additions include allowing free changes and cancellations up until 11:59 PM the day before departure for travel between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.  

Are there any options if crew shortages or mechanical issues force the cancellation of my sailing (and the next sailing would still get me to my appointment)? When a cancellation occurs we attempt to move all booked customers to the next available sailing and accommodate TAP customers in these circumstances.  

What about smaller terminals and routes that aren’t bookable?

The Provincial Government’s TAP program covers travel costs on all routes. Online bookings are only available on select routes at this time.

Medical Assured Loading (MAL) is available for those travelling using a TAP form where their medical practitioner has determined an extended wait at a ferry terminal for a ferry sailing could cause a health concern.

Patients travelling on MAL are required to:

Obtain a signed MAL letter from a medical practitioner.

Arrive at the terminal prior to the required check-in time ( view departure terminal check-in windows )

Present both the signed MAL letter from a medical practitioner and a completed TAP form to the ticket agent or vessel staff.  

Can’t you provide a separate service lane for customers heading to medical appointments? Many of our smaller terminals don’t currently have a dedicated lane or space set aside for medical travel. We will review processes at these terminals to identify opportunities for improvement.  

What about customers travelling out of Langdale where they don’t have to pay and typically show a TAP form on the way back from Horseshoe Bay?

All customers who wish to use the free TAP booking must show the completed TAP form when they check-in at the terminal.

The completed TAP form confirms the patient is a BC Resident, travelling to a medical appointment covered by the Provincial Government’s TAP program .

Patients can request an electronic copy of their TAP form from their medical practitioner to attend an appointment. Once the patient has received and printed the form, they can make a booking.  

How does this affect Medical Assured Loading (MAL)?

The program remains in place for customers who qualify and hold the proper documentation.

Customers travelling with MAL will still need to access the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to cover the cost of travel and qualify for MAL.

• Free online bookings for TAP travellers provide our customers with travel certainty to medical appointments on bookable routes.

Who would use MAL with this new complimentary online booking service in place? TAP bookings are not a replacement for the MAL program. Some customers may not know what time they will be discharged from the hospital and unable to make a booking in advance. MAL customers with a completed TAP form can drive up to any terminal, with the exception of the fully bookable routes (North Coast and Tsawwassen - Southern Gulf Islands), prior to the required check-in time ( view departure terminal check-in windows ) and secure their spot on the next available sailing - no booking required.

What about medical emergencies? We have accommodations in place with BC Ambulance, for emergency travel on all routes. The Provincial Government’s TAP program is only available for non-emergency medical travel. Our Customer Service Centre is available to answer questions or discuss travel options if bookings are sold out at Customer Service Centre at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).

Can I book a free reservation if I don’t have a credit card? Customers without credit cards can call the Customer Service Centre at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) to make special arrangements for a free TAP booking.

I made a booking prior to April 25th to travel for my medical specialist appointment and paid the reservation fee. Can I get a refund now that TAP bookings are free?  Refunds are not available for existing bookings made before April 25th.

As a TAP customer, will space always be available for me to book? No, bookable space is limited and often sell out on our more popular sailings. The amount of bookable deck space, for all reservation types, varies by ship and sailing time. We strongly recommend that you book ahead to secure a spot on board your preferred sailing.

Request a TAP (Travel Assistance Program) Form

Tap forms will be ready for pick up from the pickup box outside in 2 business days. if you need it sooner, please call us (250-539-3230)..

Tips for a successful TAP form request:

• Give as MUCH information as possible about the destination physician i.e. first name, last name, type of practitioner.
• If you are going for bloodwork or a diagnostic and are not sure exactly when you are going, remember that TAP forms can be used within 30 days of the appointment date that you enter when you call to get approval.
• If you need any other information, the TAP line is 1-800-661-2668

NEW!! REQUEST A TAP FORM ONLINE!

Travel assistance program (tap bc).

Beginning April 19, 2023, BC Ferries customers using the Ministry of Health’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to attend medical appointments can book a complimentary reservation online. A completed TAP form with a confirmation number is required book a reservation on BC Ferries and needs to be presented at the terminal to claim the booking. For more information please visit:  https://www.bcferries.com/book-sailings/medical-assured-loading

TAP is a corporate partnership between the Ministry of Health and private transportation carriers.

The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the transportation partners who agree to waive or discount their regular fees.

Eligible Medical Specialist Services Include:

• Non-emergency medical specialist services available at the closest location outside the patient’s community; and
• Diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul’s Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children’s Hospital and other tertiary care hospital services.

The Following Services are not Eligible for TAP:

• Patient transfer from one facility to another;
• GP to GP referrals;
• Supplementary benefit practitioner services (e.g., acupuncturist, optometry, physical therapy, massage therapy, podiatry, non-hospital based dentistry, naturopathy, and chiropractic services); and
• Non-insured services (e.g., cosmetic surgery, experimental procedures, clinical drug trials, preventative medicine).

Health care services provided by practitioners other than medical physicians (e.g. acupuncturist services, psychology, optometry, physiotherapy, massage therapy, podiatry, non-hospital based dentistry, naturopathy and chiropractic) and services not insured by MSP (e.g. experimental procedures, drug trials or cosmetic surgery) are not eligible for TAP.

TAP does  not  provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs or make travel arrangements for patients. Meals, accommodation, mileage, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP and are the responsibility of the patient.

There is no reimbursement for travel already taken.

For more information please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/tap-bc/travel-assistance-program-tap-bc

Agency: Ministry of Health

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Travel Assistance Program - Subsidized Travel on Ferries, Rail, Air (TAP BC)

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• Non-emergency medical specialist services available at the closest location outside the patient's community; and
• Diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul's Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children's Hospital and other tertiary care hospital services.
• Patient transfer from one facility to another;
• GP to GP referrals;
• Supplementary benefit practitioner services (e.g., acupuncturist, optometry, physical therapy, massage therapy, podiatry, non-hospital based dentistry, naturopathy, and chiropractic services); and
• Non-insured services (e.g., cosmetic surgery, experimental procedures, clinical drug trials, preventative medicine).

Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content...

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Travel assistance program (tap), eligibility.

Patient Eligibility: Must be a B.C. resident and be enrolled in MSP. Physician's referral is required. Travel expenses must not be covered by third party insurance. A TAP form must be filled out in order to apply. Escort Eligibility: 18 years of age and under or incapable of traveling independently for medical reasons Physician must indicate on TAP form that an escort is required for one of the two reasons cited above.

Description:

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers travel discounts to eligible British Columbia residents who must travel for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. You must be referred from a general practitioner or nurse practitioner for specialist services. Please visit the website for more information.

NOTE:- There is no reimbursement for travel already taken.

How to Apply (Refer to web site for full details)

• Fill out your TAP Form that is provided by your referring practitioner.
• Obtain a TAP Confirmation number (B.C. (toll-free): 1 800 661-2668 24/7 - TAP automated application service )
• Present your completed TAP Form to the TAP transportation partner.

TAP forms are only valid for up to three months (90 days) after the appointment date on the patient’s completed TAP form. This allows for rescheduled appointment dates.

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Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

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Travel assistance for non-emergency medical care

Island Health provides funding to eight contracted transportation providers, creating a transportation network supporting people in many rural and remote regions. These contractors provide door-to-door, non-emergency patient transportation services, primarily facilitating trips to and from Island Health appointments, facilities, or locations.

Communities served include:

North island.

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Central Island

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If you or someone you care for needs a ride to an Island Health medical appointment call 1-844-940-6617 or email [email protected] .

People seeking support with travel to community-based appointments (IE non-Island Health facilities/services) may seek assistance from provincial programs, such as:

• Travel Assistance Program
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Complimentary BC Ferries reservations for patients on the Travel Assistance Program

Effective April 25, 2023, patients using the Ministry of Health’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to attend medical appointments can book a complimentary BC Ferries reservation online. 

• A completed TAP form with a confirmation number is required to book a reservation on BC Ferries and needs to be presented at the terminal to claim the booking. TAP forms are sequentially numbered and are only provided to physicians, nurse practitioners and medical specialty services, including hospitals.
• If a medical appointment is rescheduled, customers can cancel or change their TAP booking at no cost up until 11:59 pm the day before sailing. Changes to the reservation can still be made on the day of travel up until two hours prior to sailing for $5.00.
• The complimentary online booking service does not replace the Medical Assured Loading (MAL) program which secures a spot on the next available ferry.
• TAP patients using non-reservable routes may be eligible for MAL. The online booking is simply another option for customers looking for certainty when travelling to medical appointments.

For more information about the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) and Medical Assured Loading (MAL), visit BC Ferries .   

Learn more about how you, as a physician, can facilitate patient access to TAP, including how to order and complete TAP forms for your patients through the BC Government website.  You can also contact 1-866-456-6950 and select Provider Services to speak to a client service representative about the TAP progam. 

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Additional information for health care providers.

Information specific to the role of health care providers in facilitating patient access to the Travel Assistance Program is available on this page. Find out who is eligible to refer patients to TAP, and how to order and complete forms. Information for hospitals and speciality clinics can also be found here.

Role of the Referring Physician or Nurse Practitioner in the Travel Assistance Program

Request for Travel Assistance application forms (HLTH 2900) are made available to physician and nurse practitioner offices throughout British Columbia by Health Insurance BC (HIBC). The forms are sequentially numbered and are only provided to physicians, nurse practitioners and medical specialty services, including hospitals.

Complete program information, including patient and escort eligibility criteria, is contained under Information for B.C. Residents.

Please note that TAP does not provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs or make travel arrangements for patients. Meals, accommodation, mileage, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP and are the responsibility of the patient.

How to Obtain TAP Forms

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners can order TAP forms by:

Telephone: Call 1 800 661-2668 (toll-free in B.C.) or 250 952-2657 (in Victoria). This is the automated TAP line at Health Insurance BC (HIBC) and the MSP Practitioner Number of the physician or nurse practitioner is required for entry. The automated TAP line is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Facsimile: Fax your request to HIBC Provider Services at 250 405-3592. Please provide the name of the physician or nurse practitioner, full mailing address, and MSP Practitioner Number.

How to Complete a TAP Form

The office of the referring physician or nurse pracitioner completes Part One of the form, including the 'Escort Required' box, and ensures the form is properly signed or stamped.

Transportation partners have the right to refuse an incomplete or altered TAP form. Only one TAP form should be issued at time of referral.

Please enter the following information on the TAP form:

• Name of the referring physician or nurse practitioner and practitioner number;
• Destination physician's name and practitioner number;
• In cases where the patient is not referred to a specific physician (diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul's Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children's Hospital and other tertiary care hospitals), please check the "specialty services" box on the form;
• Destination city;
• Destination appointment date;
• Escort required or not required (see eligibility, Information for B.C. Residents); and
• Physician or nurse practitioner signature or stamp, and current date.

Once the TAP form has been completed by the referring physician or nurse practitioner, give the TAP form to the patient and ask them to fill in the address block, including postal code and telephone number and to sign the declaration on the front of the form. Instructions and information are included on the back of the form.

Additional program information is available here (Information for B.C. Residents).

The patient then telephones the program to obtain a confirmation number prior to travel. Patients are encouraged to call two weeks prior to their date of travel, and not to wait until the night before their appointment to contact TAP, if possible. The TAP automated application service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free in B.C.: 1 800 661-2668.

Note: Patients are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements. There is no reimbursement after travel has been completed.

Information for Destination Physician or Specialty Clinic

There is no provision for repeat visits on the TAP form. If another appointment is required as part of the same course of treatment, the destination physician's office or medical specialty service should issue another TAP form for the patient at the time the next appointment is made, entering their own name and practitioner number in both the referring and destination physician spaces.

Only one form should be issued at a time. The procedure must be repeated each time another appointment is required. The patient must contact the program for a confirmation number each time a form is issued.

Information for Hospitals

Forms can also be provided to eligible patients from the Social Work departments of major hospitals, the BC Cancer Agency, Centre for Excellence at St. Paul's Hospital, Transplant Clinics, and other hospital based specialty clinics.

If hospital staff are assisting a patient to return home who arrived by ground or air ambulance, they should fill in Part Two - Hospital Use Only and sign or stamp the form in the signature space provided (the hospital social work department may sign or stamp the form).

Contact information

For all physician or nurse practitioner TAP queries, please contact 1 866 456-6950 (toll-free in B.C.) and select Provider Services to speak to a client service representative.

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

Harbour Air is an approved transportation partner with TAP BC and provides a discount on regular Comfort fares on any domestic scheduled service route. The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Please contact our Reservations Team  at  1.800.665.0212 to find out about eligibility requirements and/or book a flight.

Get in touch with our team by calling 1.800.665.0212 or emailing [email protected] .

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FAQ’s

Tickets & fares.

Passengers age 13+.

Disabled Passenger

Passengers with certain forms of disability ID are eligible for our Disabled Adult and/or Disabled Child Fare. The disability ID must be either a valid CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), or DSI (BC Ferries Disability) card to show the driver during check-in. Passengers with the correct ID are allowed one companion who can receive the reduced fare as well. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center at least 48 hours in advance of when you wish to travel, to allow one of our reservation agents to contact you and arrange this fare.

Travel Assistance Program (TAPS)

Passengers who have been issued a Travel Assistance Program (TAPS form) from Health BC are eligible for our TAPS fare. The pass must be signed by a doctor and completely filled out by the passenger (including the confirmation number), in order to give to the driver when boarding. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center at least 48 hours in advance of when you wish to travel, to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.

Passengers age 5-12. Children cannot travel unaccompanied by an adult/guardian over the age of 19.

Passengers age 0-4 with seat assignment. Toddlers cannot travel unaccompanied by an adult or guardian over the age of 19.

Child Seats for Toddlers/Children:

Children weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs.) who board a seatbelt equipped vehicle are required to ride in an approved CMVSS car seat supplied by the child’s parent or caregiver, and be secured to the vehicle using the seatbelt (lap belt). Children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) are required to use the lap belt restraint system; however, booster seats are not to be used with only a lap belt restraint system. In the event a passenger brings a car seat and the vehicle is not equipped with seatbelts or restraints, The Company will store the car seat with the checked luggage for no charge. Visit the ICBC website for specific details on child car seats. ICBC Website: https://www.icbc.com/brochures/Pages/child-car-seats.aspx

It is the responsibility of the child’s parent/caregiver to provide car seat(s) where required. The Company is not responsible for supplying car seats, nor can The Company guarantee compatibility of any car seat with its vehicles, if equipped with seatbelts/restraints.

Children/Youth/Students must be 13 years of age or older to travel unaccompanied by an adult on any scheduled services. The Company will not be responsible for unaccompanied minors while they are aboard our buses, transferring buses, or aboard the BC Ferries.

Unaccompanied Minors age 13-18 must travel with a photo ID that includes their name and birth date, in order to prove they are of sufficient age to travel alone when checking in with the driver.

No. Round trips must be to/from the exact same locations each way. If you would like to book a trip that has different locations on the return, you would need to book your trip as two different one-way trips. (You can book multiple one-way trips on the same transaction).

Flexible Tickets are refundable, and changes to date and time are available.

Changes to a similar-priced or more expensive location are available, but there will be a cost associated. A “Transaction Fee” of $5.00 +tax will be charged for all changes.

Changes to a cheaper location or to the passenger type are not available, though you do have the option of cancelling/refunding your current ticket and purchasing a new ticket with the new details you want. (“Transaction Fees” will not be refunded).

Changes must be made at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure time.

Refunds are available on unused tickets if requested before 1pm PST the day PRIOR to the scheduled travel date/time.

In the event of a cancellation and refund, any “Transaction Fee” of 5.00 +tax that was applied to any of your purchases will NOT be refunded.

Flexible Ticket: For those passengers who have purchased Flexible Tickets, Basic date and time changes can be made using our convenient online self-service feature. Changes to location can only be made via email.

How to Change the Date or Time of Departure:

• Go to your confirmation Email.
• Click the blue ‘Click here’ link in your confirmation email next to the ticket you wish to change.
• Enter the new date and time.

Can’t find your confirmation email? No Problem! Try these instructions instead:

• Select  Change Ticket
• Manually enter your ticket number
• Manually enter the last name of the passenger (as spelled on the ticket, case-sensitive)
• Enter new date and time.

Non-Refundable Ticket: You must email our reservation center at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to make a change to your date or time. Please email our reservation center to request a date/time change, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, as well as the details of your changes. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Flexible Ticket: You must email our reservation center at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to make a change to your date or time. Changes to a similar or more expensive location can be made to the existing ticket, though there may be a cost associated with the change. Changes to a cheaper location are not available, but passengers are welcome to cancel their ticket and book a new one with the cheaper location. Cancellation fee will apply. Please email our reservation center to request a location change, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, as well as the details of your changes. Reservation Email: [email protected]

We are unable to change the passenger type once a ticket has been purchased.

Passengers who bought Flexible tickets are welcome to cancel the ticket and book a new one with the correct passenger type, however Cancellation Fee will apply. Please email our reservation center to request a cancellation, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, as well as the details of your changes. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Flexible Ticket: Flexible Tickets are refundable, and changes to date and time are available.

Walk-Up Tickets

Walk-up tickets for same day travel and pre-reservation tickets for future travel are both available in person at our bus depots during specific time periods.  Please note that these in-person times are limited, so we do recommend pre-reserving your tickets online whenever possible. Credit card, and debit card purchase are available at these locations.

Victoria Bus Depot: Capital City Station, 721 Douglas Street, Victoria BC. Ticket Counter Hours Open from 09:00am-09:45am Open from 1:15pm-1:45pm Open from 3:00pm-3:45pm

Vancouver Bus Depot: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station Street Ticket Counter Hours Open from 06:00am-10:00am Open from 2:30pm-3:30pm

Walk-Up Tickets from Driver

Walk-up Tickets are available from the driver when he pulls up for a scheduled departure at select stops. These tickets are available for purchase with Credit card or debit VISA/debit MasterCard only. Cash walkup tickets are not available from the driver. Passengers will be served on a “first come, first served” basis and are NOT guaranteed a seat. Walkup tickets are full-price and no discounts apply. For our discounted fares, please pre-reserve online.

Ucluelet Fraser Lane: *This is a walk-up to Driver location* Stop is located at the bus stop on the corner of Fraser Lane and Main Street. Bus will pull up to the stop on Fraser Lane. Same stop both directions of travel

Tofino Co-op Parking Lot: *This is a walk-up to Driver location* Stop is located in the parking lot of the Tofino Co-op, next to the old Tofino bus depot, and across the street from the Schooner Motel. (346 Campbell Street, Tofino BC)

Nanaimo Bus Depot/Departure Bay Ferry Terminal: *This is a walk-up to Driver location* Stop is located at the Nanaimo Bus Depot at the Departure Bay BC Ferries Foot Passenger Terminal. (680 Trans Canada Highway, Nanaimo BC).

Cash ticket purchase is not available for Tofino Bus, the service accepts Credit Card only.

What do I do if I don’t have a credit card? – Debit Cards with a VISA symbol or MasterCard symbol on them will be accepted by the reservation system and work the same way as a credit card. – Use cash to purchase a prepaid credit card. These pre-paid cards can be purchased with cash and are available from many grocery stores, retail stores, and gas stations. Prepaid credit cards will be accepted by the reservation system.

Accessibility

For passengers who require the service of a wheelchair-lift equipped coach, please note that we require reservations and full prepayment AT LEAST 72 hours in advance of the trip. Please select ‘Wheelchair Passenger (Wheelchair-Lift Required)’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

Please note that The Company has a limited number of wheelchair-lift equipped coaches in its fleet. Also, due to safety considerations, wheelchair-lift services can only be arranged to/from certain locations. If our lift-equipped coaches are not available for the travel locations and times you have selected, The Company will contact the customer to make any necessary adjustments to their trip, such as changing the date and/or departure time of travel, or providing a full refund if The Company cannot meet the customer’s needs.

For passengers who use mobility aids i.e. walkers, foldable wheelchairs, and can board the coach with some assistance; we are able to store the non-motorized mobility aid under the coach for no additional charge. Please select ‘Mobility Aid’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

For passengers who use motorized scooters and can board the coach with some assistance; we can accommodate the motorized scooter at no additional charge if they are 50lbs or less, and the battery can be removed by the passenger or their companion. Please select ‘Motorized Scooter’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen

For passengers who use mobility aids i.e. walkers, foldable wheelchairs, and can board the coach with some assistance; we are able to store the non-motorized mobility aid under the coach for no additional charge. Please select ‘Mobility Aid’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

Please see Wheelchair and Motorized Scooter FAQs for additional accessibility information.

If you have any additional accessibility related questions, please email our reservation center for assistance. Reservation Email: [email protected]

For passengers who use motorized scooters and can board the coach with some assistance; we can accommodate the motorized scooter at no additional charge if they are 50lbs or less, and the battery can be removed by the passenger or their companion. Please select ‘Motorized Scooter’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

Please see Wheelchair and Mobility Aid FAQs for additional accessibility information.

Passengers with certain forms of disability ID are eligible for our Disabled Adult and/or Disabled Child Fare. The disability ID must be either a valid CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), or DSI (BC Ferries Disability) card to show the driver during check-in. Passengers with the correct ID are allowed one companion who can receive the reduced fare as well. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center with a request to book a Disability fare (and include a contact phone number), at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.  Reservation Email: [email protected]

Passengers who have been issued a Travel Assistance Program (TAPS form) from Health BC are eligible for our TAPS fare. The pass must be signed by a doctor and completely filled out by the passenger (including the confirmation number), in order to give to the driver when boarding. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center with a request to book a TAPS fare (and include a contact phone number), at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.  Reservation Email: [email protected]

Yes. All baggage must be tagged with an appropriate destination baggage tag and contact information of passenger. The Company assumes no liability for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. Baggage is the responsibility of the traveler.

Prohibited and Restricted Baggage

It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure their baggage is allowed to be transported as baggage before traveling on our services. A list of restricted and prohibited baggage is available on our website. If you are unsure if your baggage qualifies as restricted or prohibited baggage, you must contact The Company and inquire if you are allowed to bring that baggage and how it should be transported.

Restricted Baggage

Restricted baggage is allowed to be transported on our bus services under specific conditions.

• Aerosols – Must be less than 1L and can be transported as Checked Baggage only.
• Alcoholic Beverages and Liquors – Can be transported in Checked Baggage only, must be stored securely within checked baggage.
• Sporting Goods – Can be transported as Checked Baggage only.
• Sharp Objects – Can be transported as Checked Baggage only. Exception: Sharp objects such as swords, sabers, meat cleavers, etc., are prohibited and cannot be transported at all.
• Fragile Baggage and/or Baggage worth more than $100.00 – Can be transported provided it is not prohibited baggage, and is following all general, weight, oversize, specialty, and restricted baggage rules. The passenger acknowledges that by choosing to transport fragile baggage or baggage over the value of $100.00, that they are responsible for getting insurance for their baggage for its true value independently (not through The Company) if they wish to have insurance, and The Company is only liable up to its listed maximum liability and is only liable in the event of LOSS ONLY. The Company is under no circumstances liable for any fragile baggage or baggage over the value of $100.00 in the event of damage.

Prohibited Baggage

Prohibited baggage is not allowed on any of our services and will not be transported. Passengers with prohibited baggage will be denied boarding.

• Explosive Substances
• Flammable Substances
• Radioactive Materials
• Other Dangerous Goods (Chemicals, Aerosols larger than 1L, Compressed Gas, Swords, Meat Cleavers, Sabers, Fuel, etc.)
• Martial Arts and Self Defense Items
• Any article, Material, or substance the possession of which or the transportation of which is unlawful or controlled.

Baggage liability in the event of loss or damage is limited to a maximum of $100.00 per traveler for travelers over the age of 11 and is limited to a maximum of $50.00 per traveler aged 11 and younger. Loss or damage to baggage must be reported within ten (10) days after the date of travel.

No. We cannot take items without passengers accompanying them.

Customer Accounts

If you have made a purchase on the VI Connector & Tofino Bus since April 1st 2020, an account would have automatically been created for you.

Customer accounts can be used to keep track of all your purchases and travel information, any unused bundles or passes, re-print or access any lost tickets, and save yourself time filling out passenger and purchaser information when making new bookings.

Send an email to  [email protected]  let us know the first name, last name, email address, and phone number you used when you made your purchase, and our staff will go into your account and send you an activation email.

• Go to the booking section of our website
• Select the Sign-In button again
• Log-in using either your email or customer number

Booking Online

The explanation paragraph under the ‘Do you have a valid ID?’ box tells you what to type in the box in the last sentence of the explanation. Phrase is Case Sensitive and punctuation! sensitive. Please read the entire explanation.

Yes. Put the information of the person travelling in the ‘passenger information’ section, (this is what the driver will see for checking them in). Make sure to inform them of any rules, restrictions, or IDs they need to know about or have with them before they travel. The ‘Customer Information’ is the information for the person paying. They person paying is also the one who will receive any communications from The Company.

No. We are not allowed to make any exceptions.

There are several possibilities.

• Check out our Schedules page to make sure the route you want is operating on the day in question
• Certain locations are not currently available but still appear in the drop-down list.
• The combination of locations you are selecting might not be available due to schedules not lining up.
• Nanaimo – Woodgrove Mall location is only available for trips going to or from locations that are North of the city of Nanaimo. The Woodgrove Mall stop is not available if you are going to or from locations that are south of the city of Nanaimo.
• Nanaimo – Port Place location is only available for trips going to or from locations that are South of the city of Nanaimo. The Port Place stop is not available if you are going to or from locations that are north of the city of Nanaimo.

Select the ‘show prices’ button next to the departure you want. Then select the circle next to the Fare Class you want to buy.

Make sure you have the First Name, Last Name, Email, and Checked Baggage box for all passengers filled out. If you choose a special fare, make sure the Do You Have a Valid ID? Box is filled out correctly.

Additional Information

Tofino Bus departures require a minimum number of total tickets sold in order to operate. If the number of passengers pre-reserved on the bus does not meet the minimum amount required, the bus will be cancelled for that date and not operate.

How much notice would I receive about a bus being cancelled due to passenger count?

We give a minimum of 48 hours notice for bus cancellations due to passenger counts.

What happens if a trip I booked is cancelled due to passenger count?

If your trip(s) purchased is/are cancelled, you will be contacted at least 48 hours prior to departure, and offered the choice of a full refund or a new travel date within the same year.

Unfortunately, at this time The Company cannot accommodate pets on-board any of its buses.

Exception: People with Disabilities may have service animals accompanying an individual inside the coach. Valid Guide or Service Dog Certification must be presented, and the ‘Service Dog’ selection must be checked off on your booking.

For the summer 2024 season, Tofino Bus and the VI Connector will be using vehicles that feature onboard washrooms. Tofino Bus will do it’s best to ensure that each vehicle used on the service has an onboard washroom available, however in the event the bus needs to be switched out last minute due to circumstances such as mechanical failure, Tofino Bus cannot guarantee that a replacement vehicle will offer a washroom.

Children weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs.) who board a seatbelt equipped vehicle are required to ride in an approved CMVSS car seat supplied by the child’s parent or caregiver, and be secured to the vehicle using the seatbelt (lap belt). Children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) are required to use the lap belt restraint system; however, booster seats are not to be used with only a lap belt restraint system. In the event a passenger brings a car seat and the vehicle is not equipped with seatbelts or restraints, The Company will store the car seat with the checked luggage for no charge. Visit the ICBC website for specific details on child car seats.

The Company has a variety of vehicles in its fleet, some of which are equipped with seatbelts/lap restraints. If the vehicle assigned to your trip is equipped with such, it is mandated under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act that all passengers must wear the provided seatbelts/lap restraints at all times while on board the bus.

While the driver will advise passengers to wear the seatbelts/lap restraints, if equipped, the driver cannot be held responsible for ensuring this is adhered to. By purchasing travel with The Company, you understand and agree that you as the purchaser are responsible for ensuring that you and anyone else you purchase travel for are advised that the use of seatbelts/lap restraints is mandatory. If you, as the purchaser, will not be present for the duration of the trip, you are responsible for assigning a lead passenger among the people travelling, 19+ years of age, who is responsible for ensuring that anyone you purchased travel for are advised that the use of seatbelts/lap restraints is mandatory, and that they use the seatbelts/lap restraints during the trip.

No. Face coverings are recommended, but not required on the service.

VI Connector departs at the time scheduled and does not wait for missing passengers or late flights at Cassidy (YCD) Airport. If you miss your scheduled departure, please phone our staff and switch to a subsequent departure.

Please DO NOT park in any of the prohibited parking spaces at the pick-up locations. We remind our guests to please respect the businesses in these areas, and that parking illegally may result in ticketing and/or towing. The Company is not responsible for vehicles ticketed, towed, or damaged while using our service.

If you lose something on a bus, please call Lost & Found at 1-800-567-3288 or email [email protected] . Found articles may be claimed during business hours at the location they are being held.

Found articles are kept for up to 30 days. If you call us and we have the article we will hold it for a maximum of seven days unless otherwise arranged. All unclaimed articles will be donated to charitable organizations.

Now offering Bus Bucks! Give the gift of travel and purchase a gift card. Bus Bucks are just like cash, they have no transaction fees and no expiry. Bus Bucks are non-refundable. Visit our Bus Bucks page to order.

Travel Disclaimer

No smoking or vaping is permitted on any of The Company’s buses.

Please be considerate to your fellow passengers. Unruly or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the bus. There will be no compensation or refund to passengers removed from a bus, and The Company will not be responsible for any onward transportation arrangements.

See what our customers are saying

A great and reliable service for anyone interested in exploring our island! I've never had any issue while travelling with them. The drivers are friendly, informative and some even crack the occasional joke. The ride itself is beautifully scenic I'm never bored watching the nature pass by.

Friendly drivers and courteous employees in the stops.