Whereas the availability of transportation services provided to many small, rural and remote communities across BC has declined; And whereas there exists a need for a socially-mandated intercity bus transportation program to provide essential transportation services for small, rural and remote citizens: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government initiate a Connecting Communities Fund, made available to eligible local governments, to address significant transportation challenges for citizens and taxpayers who reside in small, rural or remote communities with a view of providing them with access to transportation hubs located on primary transportation corridors.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Province shares the concerns regarding the transportation challenges facing citizens and taxpayers residing in small, rural or remote communities. When Greyhound withdrew service from the north, prior to their 2018 sudden announcement of complete withdrawal from all of BC, the Province reviewed various options including the Greyhound proposed Connecting Communities Fund. As an interim measure, the Province established BC Bus North to provide an interim long-distance motor coach service solution along many of the northern routes previously serviced by Greyhound. In addition, the Province does provide inter-city transportation services through BC Transit and continues to respond to increasing demand or other challenges. BC Transit operates in all communities with a population of over 10,000 and in many smaller communities. BC Transit also provides seven regional networks at Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Trail, Cranbrook, Kitimat-Stikine and Bulkley-Nechako. In May 2018, BC Transit signed an MOU with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to develop a Service Plan specific to implementing service between Penticton and Kelowna. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is actively engaged with Transport Canada and provincial and territorial transportation departments across the country to find solutions to address the discontinuance of Greyhound service in Western Canada and in parts of Ontario on October 31, 2018. The lack of long haul service is a national issue affecting many Canadians and we are working hard with our provincial and federal partners to identify solutions to address the situation in a timely manner.