An initiative introduced by the province and supported by the federal government has made a commitment of $5 million of taxpayer dollars towards the Highway 16 transit action plan.
In addition to these committed dollars, some bright light has come up with a plan that the municipalities along the way between Prince Rupert and Prince George should contribute an extra annual amount to support this service.
Prince George's contribution is pegged at $50,000 annually to start.
One city councillor has stated that this is good value and will be a great benefit to this city. Give your head a shake.
Property owners of all the municipalities along the route should in no way be asked to make an additional contribution for a service they will never use.
It is claimed that in 40 years 18 people have disappeared along this route.
None in recent years. Yes, it is a sad fact of life that some unfortunate individuals have succumbed to criminal activity. What concrete evidence is there that those individuals were actually out on the highway hitchhiking?
Greyhound now provides a limited service for people who want to transit between communities.
For those that have to travel for medical reasons, they are well serviced by Northern Health transportation.
Now residents that pay municipal taxes are being asked to pay to transport people who want to travel for leisure or pleasure.
The buses to be provided will rattle around the area with very minimal occupancy. Also if the transportation does not go at a convenient time when the participants want to travel they will seek a ride from whomever or still hitchhike.
When this subject comes up for discussion and a vote at a council meeting, it should be voted down.
At $50,000 a year there are many worthwhile projects and organizations within the city of Prince George that are deserving and could use this amount of money instead of wasting it on funding a project that will have no benefit to this city or its residents.
Al Cameron
Prince George
