WHEREAS many rural communities in Northern British Columbia do not have any public transit or adequate taxi service; AND WHEREAS the absence of public transportation and suitable taxi service in these rural communities places them at a distinct disadvantage as their citizens have no opportunity to use public transportation within or between communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province of BC implement a public transportation strategy and establish solutions leading to the sustainability of both public transit and taxis in all rural communities.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure Government is aware of the importance of public transit and taxi services for our communities, particularly in central and northern British Columbia. The provincial government has been able to provide one of the highest levels of transit funding in Canada. As highlighted in the 2012 BC Transit Independent Review, BC Transit has been very successful offering services to small communities that, elsewhere in Canada, would generally not have public transit. This support has enabled nearly 90 percent of all BC residents to have access to some form of public transit. Government continues to maintain the view that local issues relating to public transit and taxis in rural communities are better addressed by local governments and service providers. Communities wishing to establish new transit services can discuss preliminary options with BC Transit or request a formal feasibility study. Additionally, the Province, UBCM and BC Transit have established a working group aimed at enhancing the transit partnership as recommended by the BC Transit Independent Review and communities are encouraged to participate in this group. Please contact UBCM staff for further information. If there is a demand for taxi or other commercial passenger transportation services, potential service providers can apply to the Registrar of Passenger Transportation for a license to deliver those services.