You’ve got the weekend free, brunch in Vancouver, an outdoor concert in Abbotsford, and less than 10 hours to do it all. A Saturday like that used to require a car, or at least a friend willing to drive, but for a growing number of students and young professionals, that’s no longer the default.
Why Are Fewer Young Canadians Choosing to Drive?
Today, roughly 73% to 75% of young Canadians aged 15 to 24 hold an active driver’s license, down from historical highs near 90% (YD Labs, 2023). This shift could be a result of the price, time and hassle that comes with driving.
A car payment, insurance, gas and parking add up fast when you’re also paying rent and tuition. When you factor in sustainability, the math gets even simpler. Buses are very fuel efficient, which means that the “easy” choice and the “responsible” choice are finally one in the same.
That’s why more young travelers are choosing intercity coach transportation for trips they’d usually spend hours in the car for.
Driving vs. Taking Ebus
| Driving | Taking Ebus | |
| Wear and tear | Wear and tear on your vehicle | None — Ebus takes on the mileage, not you |
| Costs | Gas, parking, car payment, insurance | Affordable rates on fares and no additional costs |
| Availability | Only if you own a car or have one available | Dozens of daily routes so that you can get where you need to go, when you need to get there |
| Schedule and timing | Depends on traffic and parking | Numerous trip options and travel times in the morning and afternoon |
| Sustainability | The more people on the road, the higher the fuel consumption and emissions | Reduces the number of cars on the road, fuel consumption and emissions |
What Is a Day Trip Between Vancouver and Abbotsford Actually Like on Ebus?
For Veronica Beltran, a 27-year-old communications professional living in Abbotsford, the convenience of travelling with Ebus made a day trip to Vancouver (link to Instagram Reel) and back easier and more stress-free.
“Usually when I drive into downtown Vancouver finding parking is chaotic at best, and I lose so much time concentrating on the road for 2 hours. I like to be productive and it takes that away,” said Veronica. “Taking Ebus allowed me to actually enjoy the ride. I journaled, caught up on episodes of House of Dragons (thanks to the free Wi-Fi) and meal-planned for my week. Also, being dropped off right at Pacific Central Station was so convenient.”
Pacific Central Station is a two-minute walk from Main Street/Science World and the Aquabus that goes to Granville Island. It’s also walking distance to Chinatown or Gastown.
With the affordability and dependability of Ebus, Veronica was able to travel from Abbotsford to Vancouver where she got brunch, walked the sea wall and explored Gastown before riding back to Abbotsford to catch Jam in Jubilee, a free outdoor music festival, all in the span of nine hours.
“This genuinely makes traveling so much more accessible,” said Veronica.
Can Ebus Replace Your Car for Regular Trips in B.C.?
A day trip to Vancouver is one thing, but the same reasons that make Ebus the easy choice for a one-off trip are exactly why it works as a regular part of your routine.
Ebus runs daily service connecting Vancouver, Prince George, Kamloops and Kelowna, along with stops in smaller communities like Chilliwack and Salmon Arm. Whether it’s your Friday commute home from school every other weekend, a weekend trip into the city (or into the quietness of Abbotsford and Kelowna), or your regular trip into the office on days you’re not remote, Ebus has a route for it.
That’s what makes Ebus a real alternative to using your car for long commutes, not just a workaround for one trip. It’s a way of getting around BC that fits into your budget and lifestyle.
Ready to Ditch the Driver’s Seat?
The next time your weekend plans in B.C. span two cities, you don’t need a car, a tank of gas, or a group chat debate about who’s driving. You need a seat by the window and a bus that’s already headed there.Discover all of the places Ebus can take you and book your next trip today.
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