B.C. Transit's service along Highway 16 West has grown in popularity.
It drew about 13,000 passengers over the course of 2018, according to a statement from the provincial government released this week, up from 5,000 during its first year of operation, thanks in large measure to the addition of four new routes.
"These safe travel options are particularly critical for women, teenagers and elders, who have been asking for these services to be brought in," said B.C. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena. "These buses are providing an important and affordable service to people in B.C.'s northern communities, and I look forward to seeing ridership growth continue."
The routes connect people between Smithers and Moricetown, Burns Lake and Prince George, Burns Lake and Smithers, and Terrace and the Hazeltons.
The one-way fare for the Smithers/Moricetown route is $2.75 and $5 per segment for the other routes. Routes 161 and 162 originating in Burns Lake now have 30-seat capacity buses and overhead package racks, offering better service to people.
The breakdown of ridership per route is as follows: Smithers to Moricetown - 115 people per month;
Burns Lake to Smithers - 160 people per month; Burns Lake to Prince George - 390 people per month; Hazelton to Terrace - 170 people per month; Hazelton to Smithers - 285 people per month.
