CKPG

By Dione Wearmouth

TRANSPORTATION

Auditor General report finds Northern BC still waiting for transportation plan

Nov 16, 2021 | 1:23 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- A new report from the office of BC’s Auditor General has found Northern BC is still waiting for a long-term transportation plan three years after an interim bus service was brought to Northern BC communities.

“Northern BC is an area larger than the entire country of France and the bus is a lifeline for many residents in places like Prince George, Prince Rupert, Fort Nelson, and Valemount,” said Michael Pickup, Auditor General. “People depend on the bus to get to jobs in other communities, access essential services like health care, go to school, or visit family and friends.”

Back in 2018, Greyhound Canada withdrew bus routes throughout Northern communities, and since then no other private company has come forward to replace it. In June of that year, BC Transit was directed to provide BC Bus North, a 12-month bus service. The Ministry announced it would work with Northern communities to find a long-term solution, however, the service has since been extended three times.

Spruce Kings fall in Langley to Rivermen

8h ago

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

Dec 13, 2025

Weather Alerts

Freezing rain warning issued for Prince George-area, snowfall warning remains for Williston, Pine Pass

Dec 13, 2025

The Auditor Generals report by the name of “Ensuring Long-distance Ground Transportation in Northern BC”, found the Ministry ensured BC Transit delivered interim services to half of the former Greyhound stops near communities. The report also found trips are less frequent, reduced to once or twice a week, compared to the daily trips on most Greyhound routes. According to the province, the report also found the Ministry is working on a province-wide intercity ground transportation plan. However, Pickup says it isn’t clear how this work will address the needs of Northerners.

“The ministry has made progress in its planning but needs to make clear how its province-wide plan will support northern B.C. specifically,” Pickup said. “Northern regions have particular transportation needs – the distances are vast, roads can be treacherous and alternatives are few. People’s livelihoods are on the line. I hope the ministry will consult with northern residents to ensure that the plan meets the unique needs of the region.”

Additionally, the report did find that some community engagement focusing on community transportation needs has been completed.