The following is a press release from BC Transit:
On Aug. 20, in partnership with First Nations and local community partners, BC Transit will begin a series of public engagement sessions about the introduction of transit services along the Highway 16 corridor.
The implementation of inter-community bus services on Highway 16, stretching from Prince George to Prince Rupert, is part of the $5 million Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan for new and expanded transportation services along the corridor. BC Transit aims to have the first inter-city buses in service by the end of 2016.
As part of the action plan, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) committed $1 million for the installation of advanced safety features, including enhanced bus stop shelters and CCTV cameras. This additional technology will help ensure the safety of passengers along the corridor.
“This BC Transit engagement process is a vital part of the action plan. For this reason, it is important to hear from the people who live and work along the Highway 16 corridor to ensure we implement transit services that reflect the needs of the community,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“I encourage local residents to come out and participate in building a safer future for those who travel on Highway 16.”
The public engagement process is available both online and in person to ensure as much participation as possible. The online process involves an interactive survey, which is now available to participants on the BC Transit Highway 16 webpage. The survey will be available online until Sept. 16, 2016.
There will be over 20 opportunities to attend in-person sessions for a first-hand look at the proposed plans – the schedule is available below. Additional sessions may be added based on continuing discussions with communities in the region.
“The engagement process will assist us in designing a system that will meet the needs of our customers and the communities along Highway 16,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha.
“It is important that we hear from as many people as possible through the engagement process.”
The information collected during the Highway 16 engagement process will help complete the plan and schedules for transit services along the Highway 16 corridor.
Further details about the implementation are expected to be available in the Fall of 2016.
Learn more:
For information on the Highway 16 Action Plan, go to: www.gov.bc.ca/highway16actionplan
Further information about the engagement process is available on the BC Transit Highway 16 webpage, or by emailing highway16@bctransit.com.