Ski Resorts

The Perimeter Bus to Whistler Is No More

While on holidays a friend of the family tried to book a Perimeter bus trip to Whistler to visit her son. This is a trip she makes a couple of times a year. She was shocked to find out Perimeter had ceased operations, effective late November. Now that I’m back, I checked it out myself, and yup – Perimeter is no more. According to a notice on their website, “Perimeter Transportation ceased ALL operations on November 25, 2008 due to bankruptcy.” Wow.

So what happened? According to this article (which I found via ridebooker.com’s blog), the bankruptcy was the result of an ongoing legal battle between Vancouver’s Airport Authority and Perimeter. The battle did not end in Perimeter’s favor.

I’ve used Perimeter once myself, and had nothing but amazing things to say about the service (you can view my comments here and here). I found the price to be hefty, but it certainly beat hauling ass across town with your snowboard to catch a Greyhound bus from Vancouver’s downtown bus depot.

So, when traveling to Whistler, what are your options now?

• Pacific Coach Lines (the “official” bus provider from YVR to Whistler)  still operates an hourly bus service to Whistler from the airport, and fares are about 50 bucks each way. Get more information here.
• Ridebooker.com operates shuttles from the airport to Whistler on a more customized basis. It’s slightly more expensive but my impression is that the service is much more personalized.
• The Greyhound bus from Vancouver remains the most cost-effective but painful option, costing 50 bucks return.

I’m very sad to see Perimeter go. Although I was not a frequent user (I still mostly use the Greyhound) it was nice to have the option, and every provider in the space of course means more competition.

I will update the Whistler Guide with this information.

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