Business group says private sector best to replace leaving Greyhound

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce wants the void created by Greyhound’s departure to be Àlled by the private sector, not government.

“We have no doubt other businesses will step up to help Àll the void,” said past president Tom Dyas. “We would recommend government resist the temptation to jump in with a publicly operated inter-community bus service and instead look for partnerships with the private sector to Àll the gap.”

The next step should be a joint decision between government, community and business, according to Dyas.

“It is important for governments at all levels to understand why this business decision has been made and work together to ensure community connectivity is addressed.

“It will require the involvement of the government as well as industry to come up with solutions that result in a service that meets the needs of our communities without creating an undue burden on local taxpayers.”

Dyas’s comments were made based on BC Transit bus service between Penticton and Kelowna in 2019.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been asking for the route for years, mainly so people from the South Okanagan and Similkameen could get to Kelowna for medical and other appointments, and for students taking classes at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College.

The initial timeline projected the route to start in September 2019. However, Greyhound’s departure may speed up the planning.

The regional district’s July 19 meeting will seek approval to move ahead more quickly with the plan. If it goes ahead, the average cost per household would range from $1.33 to $4.11 annually. The City of Penticton and BC Transit is also expected to kick in some money.

Greyhound announced last Monday is it getting out of the passenger bus and freight business in Western Canada, effective Oct. 31.