All 12 community transportation services are now operating in northern B.C. communities along the Highway 16 corridor.
These services are helping thousands of people who live in small, remote and Indigenous communities travel safely around their communities and to neighbouring communities.
“This service is especially important for women and teenage girls, who have not had a safe way to get around,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a news release. “I am very happy to see that all of the community vehicles are now providing this vital transportation connection for remote and Indigenous communities in the North. This is a service these communities fought hard for, and now we can see the positive results.”
These transportation services are providing more than 2,500 rides per month to people who live and work in the North. The services are run by the individual communities and are a key component of the British Columbia government’s Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan.
“It’s wonderful to see the community vehicle program is providing a safe ride home for so many people who live and work in northern B.C., in particular, for those in remote and Indigenous communities,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This program is working in conjunction with the newly established transit routes by giving people safe, reliable and affordable transportation options.”
The B.C. government announced that 12 communities were receiving grants for the purchase of community vehicles and three years of operational support in spring 2017. These grants were primarily for Indigenous communities and organizations, enabling them to purchase and operate a community vehicle (such as a van, mini-van, SUV or bus) to transport people to jobs, school, appointments and shopping, as well as connecting them with family and friends.
“Takla Nation takes pride in the transportation service the bus is able to provide to our community and our neighbouring communities,” said Chris French, Councillor, Takla First Nation. “This is a positive and reliable new transport service for people who live and work in our community. It’s a comforting feeling knowing our people can travel safely.”
The various recipients took the time necessary to fully develop their services prior to launching, with the final service launched in December 2018.
For more information on the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan, go to:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-reports-and-reference/reports-studies/planning-strategic-economic/highway16-action-plan