Other than some calls for minor tweaking, B.C. Transit's plan for service along Highway 16 West drew little criticism during the month-long public consultation process this summer, according to a summary of the comments received.
There was "emphatic support" for the proposed fares although less expensive fares for shorter trips were requested, particularly where the service will overlap with existing transit.
As well, it was noted the existing fare for the Skeena and Hazeton regions is $4 while B.C. Transit is proposing $5 per ride or $45 for 10 tickets. And there was some thought of further subsidizing fares for those on lower incomes.
A concern consistently raised was the lack of service to communities not directly on the route, such as Fort St. James, Nak'azdli to the north, and Saik'uz to the south of the highway. Staff found themselves noting a grant program is in place to help outlying First Nations communities to buy shuttle vehicles and to provide driver education to boost the number of Class 4 and 5 drivers in those communities.
There was also a call for a greater layover time in Prince George, with respondents suggesting a departure ranging from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. that would enable 4 1/2 to five hours in the city. They also wanted three-day-per-week service, with a strong preference to weekends in addition to one or two weekdays.
Similar comments for an emphasis on weekend service were made along other sections of the route but B.C. Transit was not making any promises.
"Generally it is best practice in transit systems that operate three or fewer days per week to spread those days out across the week and also include a mix of day types (i.e. both weekday and weekend)," officials said in the report.
"This spacing and allocation ensures that the transit days selected can meet a range of trip needs that may only happen on certain days (medical, shopping, recreational, etc.).
"Also, offsetting days of service from each other may enable more service to be offered from transit hubs - such as within the Hazeltons or in the proposed services originating in Burns Lake - since it is then possible to share vehicles and staff between the services."
Proposed stop and shelter locations were generally supported while there was request for space for luggage and parcels on the vehicles. Clarification was also needed around policies regarding youth travel, picking up hitchhikers and ensuring onboard safety for passengers.
The federal and provincial governments have committed $5 million over a three year period to provide the service to 21 communities along the 750 kilometre route between Prince Rupert and Prince George, also known as the Highway of Tears. Eighteen women have been murdered or have disappeared along the stretch and adjacent routes since the 1970s.
The intention is to have the first bus running by the end of this year and to have the rest in place in 2017.
The full report, as well as an updated draft detailing proposed route and stop locations can be found with this story at www.pgcitizen.ca.
