About the Bus Buddy Program
The Bus Buddy Program is a new GERTIE initiative for seniors and anyone needing extra assistance using the community bus on Gabriola Island. Running Mondays through Fridays, it pairs trained volunteers with riders to provide one-on-one support for navigating GERTIE. The program aligns with midday schedules for local activities, helping riders get to and from the Village safely and confidently. It was created to reduce barriers of unfamiliarity and to foster confidence and connection. We are looking forward to having you onboard!
Gertie is now recruiting Volunteers! If you would like to participate in this program, please send us an email: busbuddy@gertie.ca to learn more. Anyone can apply & a special incentive will be offered. Please include your full name, address and contact number; we will reply with a questionnaire that will help us identify your availability.
Looking for a Bus Buddy? Gertie is also reaching out for you to connect with us if yourself or someone you know would benefit from this ridership program. Contact busbuddy@gertie.ca to be matched with a trained volunteer.
Your journey step by step:
- After submitting your information to GERTIE, we will match you with a Bus Buddy for your upcoming trip.
- The Bus Buddy will make a courtesy phone call to you to introduce themselves the day before your trip. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. They will also explain how to buy tickets or be prepared to pay your fare.
- A trained Bus Buddy will meet you at your doorstep to help you reach the bus stop safely.
- You and your Bus Buddy will board the bus together
- You will pay your fare, the Bus Buddy will show their month’s pass (courtesy of Gertie)
- The Bus Buddy will make sure that you both disembark the Gertie at your bus stop
- The same bus buddy will meet you at an agreed location after your program or errands, and will walk with you to the closest bus stop.
- You and your Bus Buddy will board the bus together
- You will pay your fare, the Bus Buddy will show their month’s pass (courtesy of Gertie)
- The Bus Buddy will make sure that you both disembark the Gertie at your bus stop
- The Bus Buddy will walk you back to your doorstep
- Gertie’s Bus Buddy Coordinator will follow up via a phone call to check in about your recent ride, to ensure we are able to improve the program as needed.
General Information about the Program:
Which routes and times are Bus Buddies available?
While Gertie develops this program, we are open to hearing from riders to establish the routes that have the most demand. Please reach out to us with your request & address so that we can plan your trip!
Buying your tickets/fares:
Fares: view up-to-date fare information here
Cash Fares: Please have the exact change ready. Drivers have no access to cash to make change for you.
Tickets and Passes: Passes and tickets are available at Nesters Market (575 North Rd, #15, Gabriola, BC), and Mid Island Co-op (548 N Rd, Gabriola, BC).
Service Hours
Schedule: view up-to-date schedules here
Gertie operates daily except Sundays, and Easter Monday and statutory holidays. View the full schedule online for up-to-date schedules.
Bus Stops
Please refer to the website for up-to-date information about ridership: view up-to-date rider information here
General information:
- GERTIE is a flag down bus system, your Bus Buddy will identify a safe position on the shoulder of the road to wait for the bus together.
- The locations listed on the route maps are not bus stops but timing points. Your Bus Buddy will ensure you are there together at an appropriate time.
- Lost and Found: Please call 250 – 668 – 6809 or e-mail Gabriolacommunitybus@gmail.com to inquire about a lost item.
Funding
Gertie is grateful for receiving funding from the United Way Aging in Motion Program to enable us to better serve seniors (and everyone!) for weekday travel.
To submit an enquiry about the Bus Buddy Program:
Contact busbuddy@gertie.ca
[insert contact form that directs inquiries to the email above]
Submitting a request to be a rider or volunteer for the program:
Contact busbuddy@gertie.ca and include:
- Your name
- Your contact number
- Identify if you are a rider or volunteer
- Your address
- Your requested trip date and/or your availability as a volunteer and/or a general idea of what you wish to enquire about
[insert contact form that directs submissions to the email above]