BC Bus North to remain on the road

The federal and provincial governments have committed $1.6 million to keeping BC Bus North on the road.

“The clear message we’ve heard is that this long-haul transportation service is a lifeline to many people in the North,” B.C. transportation and infrastructure minister Rob Fleming said.

“BC Bus North gives people in northern B.C. an affordable, safe and reliable option to travel long distances and it’s provided an essential service in the North, making it possible for residents in small, isolated rural communities remain connected and get from community to community.”

Over the 2 1/2 years it has been in operation, it has provide more than 13,000 passenger trips to 39 communities across the region. It consists of four coach buses operated by Diversified Transport under a contract with the provincial government.

Two round trips are provided each week on all routes, except for Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson, which is one round trip per week. Fares are distance based and range from $11 from Valemount to McBride to $65 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Two other services are also in place.

Northern Health Connections for people who need to get to medical appointments in other communities, including Vancouver, has been operating since 2007.

BC Transit’s service along Highway 16 East started in June 2017 and BC Bus North was launched in May 2018, the same month Greyhound pulled out of the region. Both the 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium and the 2012 Missing Women Commission of Inquiry recommended public transportation services along Highway 16.