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intercity transportation

Northern B.C. MP calling on Ottawa to improve bus service for Canadians

May 31, 2023 | 11:30 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — In the wake of the the provincial government’s announcement to renew funding for bus service in Northwest B.C., one Northwest MP says that’s good but more needs to be done on the federal level.

On Tuesday, a report was released by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communities which had looked into intercity bus transportation. The committee heard from many witnesses, and many solutions were proposed to enhance intercity connectivity across Canada. Importantly, the committee also heard about the benefits of safe, affordable, accessible and reliable intercity connections can have on individuals and communities.

The report ultimately had seven recommendations and Taylor Bachrach, NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley said that the recommendations from the majority of MP’s on the committee fell short of what is needed to connect Canadians.

The seven recommendations are:

  1. Intermodal Connections: That the government collaborate with all stakeholders, to encourage the coordination of intercity bus routes
  2. Creating a National Clearing House/Communications Platform: That the government work with provinces and territories to facilitate the creation of a non-profit, national clearing house/communications platform to allow for seamless travel between provinces for passengers.
  3. Better Intermodal Connections Between VIA Rail and Other Modes of Transport
  4. Assessing and Addressing Knowledge Gaps (Habits of Intercity Transit Users): That the government collaborate with all stakeholders to assess and address the current knowledge gaps with regards to the habits and needs of intercity transit users in Canada.
  5. Expanding the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) to Cover Private Bus Carriers and Intercity Routes: That the government expand the RTSF to incentivize the development of intercommunity rural routes.
  6. Harmonization of Licensing Requirements: That the government recognize that the private sector plays an important role in providing intercity bus service and take steps to harmonize licensing requirements between provinces.
  7. Government’s Responsibility for Reconciliation: That the government recognize its role in delivering safe, reliable and affordable inter-regional transit to Indigenous communities.

Even with the provincial government’s recent renewal of funding for bus service in Northwest B.C., Bachrach says that the federal government needs to take further action, as there is lots of work to be done.