Integrated Public Transportation in British Columbia

The Honourable Mike Farnworth was named as Minister of Transportation and Transit after B.C.’s 2024 provincial election. Adding Transit to the Ministry’s name was seen as a hopeful indicator of the new government’s priorities; a possible de-emphasis on highways and an increased emphasis on local and intercity public transportation. Transport Action B.C. wrote a congratulatory letter to the Minister along with a lengthy list of issues that we feel need addressing.

A priority issue is the dismal state of intercity public transportation in the province, particularly with Greyhound’s departure. We noted that the government has experience with intercity bus service through its BC Bus North operation. This is an important building block in a province-wide service.

We also suggested the province needs to consider:

• Integration of existing intercity services so customers can seamlessly transfer between carriers.
• Extend West Coast Express to Abbotsford and using the former BCER line from Langley SkyTrain to Chilliwack.
• A Vancouver Island Transit Authority to support Island-wide public transportation, including the former E&N railway.
• Improvements to transit connections to BC Ferries terminals.
• Improvements/re-location of the BNSF line through White Rock.

We pointed that there are large provincial subsidies to road users and that reducing these subsidies could be used to offset the costs of improving public transportation options in the province.

It should be noted that Transport Action BC has written similar letters to previous provincial Transportation ministers.