B.C.'s Transportation Minister says she's keeping an eye on Greyhound Canada's quest to end passenger service in northern British Columbia. In a statement issued Tuesday,
Claire Trevena said her government will follow the bus line's application to the Passenger Transportation Board to cease service along the entire length of Highway 16, from Prince Rupert to Valemount, and along Highway 97 from Prince George to Dawson Creek and beyond to Whitehorse, Yukon.
She also said the application leaves her government "deeply concerned" given the importance of good, affordable transportation to maintaining healthy communities and strong economic development.
“While we await the decision of the board, we will work with local governments to explore all options to support affordable transportation in Northern B.C., including examining how other jurisdictions have successfully preserved rural bus services.
“We will work closely with affected communities towards a common goal - finding reliable transportation options that will help them grow and thrive.” the public will have a chance to make their opinions known as part of the process.
In an email, PTB director Jan Broocke said the application was submitted August 31 and is currently in the pre-publication stage. Once posted on the PTB website, the board typically takes 60-90 days to make a decision.
Greyhound's application must include a rationale, which will also be posted on the website. The carrier will also need to publish notice of proposed changes on its own website as well as post notices in its terminal and depots and provide written notice of proposed changes to municipalities and regional districts along the routes.
The public notices must also tell people that they can provide written comments to the PTB by a certain date. From there, the PTB relies on a three-part test to make a decision, taking into account public need, the economic impact to the carrier of providing the service and "applicant fitness."
"The Board is likely to apply the logic that a licensee seeking a reduction is a fit and proper person to provide the service proposed unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary," Broocke said.
The company has cited continued losses in the face of subsidized competition from B.C. Transit, along Highway 16 from Prince George to Smithers, and from Northern Health's bus service to rural residents who have out-of-town medical appointments in northern B.C. and in Vancouver.
However, concern has been raised the loss of the service will cause more people to turn to hitchhiking and expose themselves to danger. Highway 16 West is also known as the Highway of Tears for the number of women who've been murdered or have gone missing over the years.
