VICTORIA – As New Year’s Eve approaches, the B.C. government is reminding party-goers who intend to use for-hire vehicles such as limousines and “party buses” to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations that govern these vehicles, to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Passengers should be reminded that drinking alcohol in any private or commercial vehicle is illegal in B.C., whether the vehicle is moving or not.
Consumers are encouraged to look for companies that advertise strict policies related to consuming alcohol in vehicles. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has distributed over 800 decals to operators for display in their vehicles, reminding passengers that consuming alcohol in any vehicle is illegal in B.C.
Operators using any size vehicles with limo-style or party bus perimeter seating must have a special authorization licence. These licences state where vehicles can operate and limit fleet size. Passengers should look for a passenger-transportation licence plate and decal on the front of the vehicle, or if there is no plate, ask to see a temporary operating permit, before boarding a bus.
Police will be monitoring limousines and party buses during the holiday season. Operators that allow the consumption of alcohol in their vehicles will be penalized, and passengers in these vehicles also have a responsibility to adhere to the Province’s liquor laws. Operators who do not comply with liquor laws run the risk of losing their licence, and minors in possession of alcohol are subject to a $230 fine.
Here’s a rundown of transit schedules and last train times, reminders for how to party safely on a party bus, and cab company contact info:
Public transit
TransLink will offer free rides on buses, SkyTrains and SeaBuses beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and ending at 5 a.m. on Jan. 1. Compass fare gates will remain open and there is no need to tap in or out. (However, if you began your trip before 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, you will still need to tap out in order to be charged the correct fare.)
Buses will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule with increased service on some routes to reflect ridership.
SeaBuses will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule with extended evening service on NYE. The last sailing from Lonsdale Quay will be at 2:02 a.m.; the last sailing from Waterfront will be at 02:22 a.m.
West Coast Express will not operate on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
SkyTrains will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule with increased evening service on NYE. See last train schedule below.
