PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS 1130) – University students in northern BC are just learning about the elimination of service Greyhound is proposing for various routes in that region. And without bus service to their hometowns, many students might not be able to go home as often as they want.
Greyhound is proposing to completely eliminate service between Prince George and Prince Rupert and Prince George and Dawson Creek. The company wants to ax nine routes in BC, six of them in northern BC as the company deals with plunging ridership. The routes that would be eliminated include the 718-kilometre run along Highway 16, the so-called Highway of Tears.
Karista Olson is the Aboriginal Representative on the Student Society at the University of BC.
Her home is near Hazelton, which is near the new BC Transit route, but she points out it’s a service that doesn’t run every day. “If I’m not able to line-up another student who’s going then my other option really is to just not go home. And when you come from a small tight-knit community that can be really impactful on a student’s well-being.”
The BC Transit service along Highway 16 was launched in response to the number of aboriginal women who’ve gone missing on the highway over the last few decades. The fare is only $5 from Prince George to Burns Lake, but that service is only offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Service is also offered between Burns Lake and Smithers Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Olson says the proposed changes with Greyhound will impact many people who rely on the service. “Even beyond those of us who are students. When I think of my home communities and how many people that still rely on hitch-hiking.”
British Columbians have until October 13th to comment through the Passenger Transportation Board.