A Greyhound prepares to abandon routes across Western Canada on Wednesday, BC Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says private carriers are poised to take over 83% of the routes in this province.
But Trevena acknowledges that still leaves gaps in service across the province and says she continues to work with communities and the private sector to find solutions for the 17% of routes that will be without service:
"For so many British Columbians, reliable bus service is critical for work, family life, health care and so much more. I'm pleased that private bus operators have stepped up and worked with us to make sure British Columbians will continue to travel around our province safely and affordably."
In July Greyhound announced it would cease passenger and freight service in Western Canada as of October 31st. The company is also pulling out of parts of Ontario.
Greyhound has already cut passenger service in northern B.C. and some other routes they say have not proven economically viable.
Earlier this year the Province initiated BC Bus North to help cover northern communities where service had been cut by Greyhound. BC Bus North provides round trips from Prince Rupert to Prince George twice a week.
The Minister says efforts are also underway to fast-track applications for companies wanting to provide service to remote communities.