Welcome to Transport Action BC Region
We are the BC chapter of Transport Action Canada, a national non-profit charitable organization dedicated to public transport advocacy, research, and education. We advocate for bus and train passengers in BC, and promote public transportation options that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable across the province.
Our Priorities
Public Transit
We advocate for frequent, convenient, and accessible public transit that serves the greatest number of people. Much of BC’s population is concentrated in cities, and transit helps people to get where they need to go at a reasonable cost.
Passenger Rail
Rail moves the largest number of people in an environmentally friendly and comfortable way. We advocate for a strong intercity and regional passenger rail system to build strong, interconnected regions and connect BC to the rest of Canada.
Intercity Bus
Many people in the BC need to travel long distances to college or university, for medical appointments or for work. We advocate for government support for regional bus services connecting smaller and rural communities to the BC economy.
Why Public Transportation Matters
Economic Growth
A thriving economy requires efficient movement of people and freight for communities large and small. Robust passenger bus and rail services will help keep our region competitive.
Social Inclusion
Dependable public transport for Canadians of all ages, abilities and origins opens up opportunities for everybody, including access to education, healthcare and jobs.
Environmental Responsibility
Travelling by bus or train uses far less fuel than driving or taking a short-haul flight. It also means less farmland and wilderness paved over for extra highway lanes.
Image: Rick JelfsThe Canadian – 70th Anniversary
Via Rail and the Via Historical Association organised a Vancouver event celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Canadian at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. A press conference was held on November 21 with a public open house o…
Image: Rick JelfsCore Messages for Retaining the BC Rail Line as an Operating Railway
This document was sent as a follow-up to TABC’s August 13, 2025 email (“Ways forward from CN’s BC Rail abandonment plans – Transport Action British Columbia”) to municipalities and First Nations along the BCR line from Squamish to Prince Ge…
Image: Rick JelfsWays forward from CN’s BC Rail abandonment plans
Canadian National has placed the former BC Rail line from Squamish to Exeter (100 Mile House) on its list of lines proposed for discontinuance. This could lead to abandonment and loss of the line as a rail corridor.Citizen advocates, MLAs, MPs, First…
Image: Terence JohnsonRail Improvements Required South of Vancouver
There are ongoing concerns about rail infrastructure south of Vancouver and its ability to support improved passenger and freight rail service and improve safety for trackside communities. Additional sidings, rail flyovers, a second Amtrak platform a…
Image: AmtrakMeeting with Liberal MP Taleeb Noormohamed
TABC Secretary Rick Jelfs met with MP Vancouver-Granville Taleeb Noormohamed about Transport Action’s letter to federal Minister of Transport Transportation on the need for significant capital improvements to the rail corridor north of U.S border to …
Image: AmtrakAll-Aboard Washington Northwest Rail Summit
The All-Aboard Washington (AAWA) Northwest Rail Summit was held on October 8/9, 2024 in Spokane, WA. I attended day 1 as Secretary of Transport Action BC and fellow board member Bob Broughton attended day 2 via Zoom. The Summit was recorded for futur…