A transit system connecting Prince George, Burns Lake and Smithers will officially launch on June 19th.
A final service agreement has been signed between the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and BC Transit this week.
Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee Taylor Bachrach says the service will help connect communities while making the highway safer.
“This all started with a conversation about missing and murdered women along the highway and with the voices of families like the Wilson family – who lost Ramona Wilson over 20 years ago – saying we need safer transportation options,” says Bachrach.
“Over the years things have actually gotten worse with the Greyhound cut-backs – especially for people with lower incomes, it’s very difficult to get between communities and access services. Seeing this new service up and running, I think it’s going to be a great contribution to our region.”
The Burns Lake to Smithers Route will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the Burns Lake to Prince George Route will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday once a day.
The Ministry of Transportation has committed to covering 100 per cent of the capital cost of three busses and 2/3rds operational funding for five years. A transit coordinator position with the RDBN will also be funded for three years by the province.