Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

  • CFB Esquimalt ran a transportation trial from Nov 24 Dec 12 to simplify commuting across its properties for all DND staff.
  • The pilot tested the Base Connector and the Base Rounder.
  • TEME collected ridership and stop-specific data to evaluate demand, flow, and future service optimization. Early user feedback highlighted reduced stress, fuel savings, and the potential to adopt the service long-term.

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Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt has completed a new transportation trial designed to make commuting across Vancouver Island simpler and more affordable for local Defence team members. From Nov 24 to Dec 12, Transportation, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (TEME) piloted The Base Connecter and Base Rounder Initiative, a complimentary mobility service.

Intended to improve connectivity across CFB Esquimalt properties, the Base Connector linked Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point, CFB Albert Head, and Colwood with Esquimalt stops including the Base Hospital, Naden, Dockyard, and Work Point. The Base Rounder was also tested to reduce the need for personal vehicles by encouraging Defence team members to leverage a base-operated shuttle to travel to and from CFB Esquimalt properties During the test period, participants hopped aboard both the Base Connector, a 56-passenger coach, and the Base Rounder, a 12-passenger van.

TEME also collected daily ridership data and stop-specific pickup information throughout the trial period to assess the necessity of each stop, ridership fluctuations, and overall trial usage.

To Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Troy Dierk, Weapon Engineering Manager, the trial experience was positive overall. “There was far less stress during the high traffic periods of the trip, less fuel consumption, and thus less expense for me,” he said. “I would reassess some of the stops to confirm if they are necessary to make for a more seamless flow for drivers, as several stops proved to be a little more problematic for maneuvering the buses.”

When asked if he would utilize the service for the next trial period in 2026, PO1 Dierk said, “There will still remain days where the use of my own vehicle will be required due to personal commitments, but I will definitely be utilizing the service should it be put in place.”

If you took a ride on either the Base Connecter or Rounder from Nov 24 to Dec 11, please share feedback on your experience at forms.office.com/r/xyE9Dp5BSE.