Community shuttle bus service will be expanded for people in remote and Indigenous communities throughout northern B.C.
The province is adding $2.8 million in new funding to be shared by 18 communities and organizations.
"The expansion of the community shuttle bus program is welcome news for communities that previously did not have service," said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine.
"Rural and remote communities throughout northern B.C. continue to face challenges related to the loss of Greyhound bus service in the region. This funding highlights our government's ongoing commitment to ensure these communities have access to affordable transportation options."
The program provides funding for passenger transportation services that help northerners access services, visit friends and family and connect to long-haul transportation options along major highway corridors.
The grants were awarded earlier this month by Northern Development Initiative Trust, a non-profit agency that received $7.9 million in federal-provincial Safe Restart funding last year for transportation services in northern B.C.
In addition to 11 organizations that previously received funding, seven new providers are receiving support to bring community shuttle service to dozens of additional rural and remote communities, including Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and the District of Stewart.
The program is the successor to the Ministry’s Highway 16 Community Transportation Grant program, which provided $2.6 million to 12 community transportation services.
"The Northern Community Shuttle Program builds upon the success of the previous Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan and connects even more communities and people together," said Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust.
"The introduction of new, on-demand and scheduled services will benefit numerous communities, including reaching Dease Lake in the northwest and offering multiple stops along Highway 20 between Williams Lake and Anahim Lake."
The province has funded community buses since 2017 as part of the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan. In 2018, after Greyhound discontinued service in the region, the province launched the long-haul intercity BC Bus North service.
Northern Development Initiative Trust began accepting applications for the new community shuttle program in November 2021.
As part of its agreement with government, the trust continues to engage with Indigenous communities, local governments and stakeholders to develop grant programs that will address the region's diverse transportation needs.
