Local Transit changes coming

The upcoming seasonal service change will see three school-specific routes temporarily taken out of operation:

Route 12 Parkridge
Route 96 Shas Ti Kelly Road
Route 97 Shas Ti Kelly Road

These routes primarily serve students traveling to and from school and are less utilized during the summer break. As a result, suspending service on these lines is a standard practice aimed at adapting to shifting ridership needs.

School trips on these routes are expected to resume when classes return in the fall. According to BC Transit, riders can expect full service on these routes again in September, just in time for the new academic year.

Adjustments Reflect Broader Seasonal Trends

The summer suspension is not an isolated change but part of a broader pattern of seasonal adjustments made by BC Transit throughout the year. Earlier in the spring, service was already reduced on routes serving the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), coinciding with the end of the post-secondary academic year in April.

“We did already reduce service to routes that service UNBC,” Weiss explained. “That occurred in the spring at the end of April when we did that spring service change, when the post-secondary school year ended as well.”

These phased changes demonstrate how transit planning is closely tied to the academic calendar in a city like Prince George, where a significant portion of transit users includes students of all ages.

Matching Service with Demand

At the heart of the seasonal adjustments is BC Transit’s commitment to balancing efficiency with reliability. Officials emphasize that reducing or suspending service on certain routes allows transit providers to maintain consistent and dependable service across the rest of the network.

“We’re always just trying to make sure that we’ve got the right service on the road to match demand,” Weiss said. “That’s what we’re doing here with the reduction of service during the summer.”

The approach ensures that operational resources—such as buses, drivers, and maintenance—are focused on routes that continue to see steady ridership during the summer months.

“We’re just making sure that we’re keeping service on the road at a good level and providing safe and reliable service on the other routes throughout the Prince George transit system,” Weiss added. “That’s throughout the summer and really throughout the year.”

Planning Ahead for the Fall

While summer service is scaled back, BC Transit is already looking ahead to the return of students in September. Officials confirm that all suspended routes, including Routes 12, 96, and 97, will resume full operation at that time.

“When September comes, you will see the routes getting back up and running at full speed,” Weiss said. “It’s to make sure that all students of all ages have the opportunity to take public transit to get where they need to go.”

The fall service restoration will coincide with increased ridership as schools reopen, ensuring that students once again have access to reliable transportation options across the city.

Tools to Help Riders Navigate Changes

With changes to service schedules, BC Transit is encouraging riders to make use of digital tools to stay informed and plan their trips effectively. The Umo app, Google Transit, and other real-time trip planning applications are recommended resources for checking updated schedules and routes.

Customers can use these tools to view trip times, plan journeys, and adjust their travel plans during the summer service period.

For additional information, including fares, schedules, and trip planning resources, residents are advised to visit the BC Transit Prince George webpage at https://www.bctransit.com/princegeorge.

Reminder on Youth Transit

As part of broader transit initiatives across British Columbia, there is also a reminder that children aged 12 and under can ride transit for free throughout the province. The policy is intended to make public transportation more accessible for families and encourage transit use from an early age.

A Seasonal Transition

The temporary suspension of school routes in Prince George reflects a familiar seasonal transition for public transit systems. By adapting to the rhythms of the academic calendar, BC Transit aims to maintain a balance between efficiency and service quality.

While some routes may pause for the summer, officials stress that the overall goal remains unchanged: to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transit options for residents year-round.

As summer begins and routines shift, riders are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and take advantage of available tools to navigate the transit system with ease. Come September, as students return to classrooms, the familiar routes will be back in operation—ready to once again support the daily journeys of Prince George’s community.

by Cheryl Jahn