Whereas the current level of transportation servicesdo not adequately address the safety, economic interests, and social needs of the citizens who live in many rural places, small municipalities, and remote communities; And whereas there is not a clear, multi-faceted plan in place that coordinates all modes of transportation and takes into consideration the current reality or foreseeable transportation needs of rural and remote areas: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government review the current state of transportation in British Columbia and creates a comprehensive, forward looking plan that fulfills the safety, economic interests, social needs and environmental well-being of rural places, small municipalities and remote communities.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Province is concerned about the availability and access to transportation for those living in small, rural and remote communities, especially with the 2018 sudden withdrawal of Greyhound services, and will seek ways to work with communities to address those access needs. Currently, BC Transit provides service in all communities with populations of 10,000 or more, and in many smaller communities. BC Transit also provides seven regional networks at Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Trail, Cranbrook, Kitimat-Stikine and Bulkley-Nechako. With the initial Greyhound service withdrawal in the north, the Province introduced BC Bus North service to provide an interim long-distance motor coach service solution along many of the discontinued Greyhound routes. BC Bus North is currently providing four services that connect Prince George with Prince Rupert, Valemount and Fort St John Dawson Creek, as well as connecting Dawson Creek with Fort Nelson. The Province is also providing 2 million over three years to support 12 community transportation services for the purchase and operations of vehicles as part of the Community Transportation Grant Program, one of the five actions of the provincial Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan. The Province also provides financial support through infrastructure grant programs such as the BC Air Access Program, aimed at ensuring airstrips serving remote communities remain a safe and reliable transportation mode for general and emergency access.