Regional District of Nanaimo has announced expanded transit service, including the creation of new routes to better access VIU and downtown. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW) ALL ABOARD Expanded transit service to better connect more regions with VIU, downtown Nanaimo Jul 24, 2019 8:01 AM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo has rolled out its plan to expand transit service throughout central Vancouver Island.

Beginning in January 2020, the RDN will add 5,900 hours of transit service and another 1,700 in handyDART hours to address ridership growth.

Upgrades include a new route between the downtown core and the Nanaimo airport. The service will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday every two hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The service enhancements come weeks after the RDN committed to providing 365 days of service a year by running transit on three statutory holidays where there previously was none.