Prince George’s airport, as well as a trio of privately-owned northern B.C. regional bus services, are receiving funding to help them stay open and provide essential transportation services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province has issued a one-time investment of $16.5 million to 55 regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, as well as $6.2 million to 20 inter-city bus operators around B.C.
Prince George’s airport is receiving $720,000, which is the highest category of funding available, calculated on a combination of revenue losses and the budgeted expenditures.
Three northern B.C. bus companies were also eligible for grant funding. Adventure Charters InterCity Bus received $127,795.68, Cold Shot Bus Service received $102,060, and Eagle Transit Ltd. received $79,047.
The grant value for each bus business varied depending on vehicle capacity and operating costs per route, level of service and if the company has received other funding relief.
The bus operators and airports will use the funds to pay for operating costs, like maintenance expenses for buses, air terminals and runways, and are earmarked for payroll, rent and other overhead costs.
"Our government is working to keep vital services operating during this unprecedented time, and this funding will help British Columbians - especially those in rural areas of the province - have a safe and reliable way to travel to essential appointments," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a release today (March 30).
"We know inter-city bus companies and regional airports were in critical need of funding to keep their operations going during COVID-19. With this investment, inter-city buses and regional airports will now have the funding they need to continue operating and serving people."
This funding builds on additional financial support provided by the province to the transportation sector, which includes allowing taxi operators to defer license renewals if they are not operating, rather than losing their licences and having to reapply, as well as ensuring taxi companies can access and benefit from the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program.
Yesterday (March 29), the province also announced a one-year extension to its BC Bus North service, which provides safe, affordable transportation between communities in the region.
First launched in 2018 to address the service-gap left by the departure of Greyhound from the region, BC Bus North has become 'a crucial lifeline' for inter-city travel especially as other transportation options have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Western Economic Diversification Canada and the province have extended support to fund the northern inter-city service for another 12 months.
In total, more than $1.6 million in one-time funding will support the BC Bus North operating until March 31, 2022.
