Details

WHEREAS many rural communities in Northern British Columbia do not have any public transit or adequate taxi service;

AND WHEREAS the absence of public transportation and suitable taxi service in these rural communities places them at a distinct disadvantage as their citizens have no opportunity to use public transportation within or between communities:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request that the Province of BC implement a public transportation strategy and establish sustainable solutions.

Additional Information

UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2012-B115, which called on the provincial government to develop a transportation strategy for sustainable public transit and taxis in rural communities.

Background Information

In response to resolution 2012-B115 the provincial government suggested that local issues relating to public transit and taxis in rural communities would be better addressed by local governments and service providers. The Province cited existing agreements between BC Transit and 58 local government partners for the delivery of transit services, cost shared between BC Transit and local government.

The provincial government indicated that communities wishing to establish transit service could discuss preliminary options with BC Transit, or request a formal feasibility study; and that in communities with a demand for taxi or other commercial passenger transportation services, a service provider could apply to the Registrar of Passenger Transportation for a license to deliver those services: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/rpt/index.htm