Council discusses fall out from reduced bus service in north

Staff at Northern Rockies has recommended that: “the NRRM make a submission to the BC Passenger Transportation Board opposing Greyhound Canada Transportation’s application to reduce services to the Fort Nelson area.”
On October 3rd, 2012 Greyhound Canada Transportation made an application to the BC Passenger Transportation Board, on the basis of unsustainable operations from losses causing financial hardship to reduce the route frequency on 15 routes, including Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson (via Fort St. John), as well as Dawson Creek to Alberta, and Dawson Creek to Prince George by at least half.
The public may provide written comment on the matter on or before Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 to the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board.
The impact of a reduction in transportation service to and from our community has many layers. Although no reductions in minimum stops at Fort Nelson are planned, connecting services into Dawson Creek are scheduled to be cut in half. This would significantly affect traffic between Fort Nelson and points beyond the Peace.
It has been observed that Greyhound Fort Nelson is used heavily as a freight service and as a passenger service, by industry and the community at large.
“There are reports of employers terminating an employee from the field, and arranging transportation to Fort Nelson only,” Jaylene Arnold, Economic Development & Tourism Officer said.”The return leg of getting to the employee’s community of residence becomes their financial responsibility, and Greyhound offers a significantly more economical mode of travel than the local airline, particularly on short notice.
“For many, Greyhound offers access to transportation where no other options exist for financial reasons. Reducing service may further leave individuals in economic hardship with no means to travel in the community, putting pressure on social support services such as the hostels and emergency funding for accommodations.”

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