Dear Editor,

My first experience with B.C. Transit ended before it began.

I was thrilled when they announced buses will be designated to provide service from Squamish to Whistler during the Olympics. I thought it would be great not to have to drive and I can enjoy the scenery like a tourist. I got on this morning and the machine ATE my pass!!

Route No, 212 on Feb. 6 (Saturday) at 7:45 a.m., Bus No. 9367.

I got yelled at by the driver after the ticket machine ate my pass. He was rude and unhelpful. He was insulting in the way he yelled at me. He was busy yakking with friends outside the bus instead of attending to patrons boarding the bus. He said, “Now you’ve screwed up our system” after being very condescending. This is not the way to promote commuting and he is a sore representation of B.C. Transit, Whistler Transit and our community.

There is no sign or any indication of where to insert the bus pass. The driver was busy yapping with his friends outside the bus instead of attending to passengers like any responsible driver should. I was then given a “courtesy pass” effective for one day. I had to make arrangements to get to the depot in Spruce Grove to deal with this as this is the only office you can get a replacement card. I was inconvenienced and insulted when all I was doing was trying to do my part and commute.

I would hate to be a tourist staying in Squamish that has to take this bus!

S. Lam

Squamish