Regional transit runs on partnership
Public transit in British Columbia is delivered through a partnership between local governments, BC Transit and the Province of British Columbia. BC Transit plans and delivers transit systems outside Metro Vancouver, working with local governments to connect people to work, school, health care, recreation and daily life.
This partnership brings together local decision-making with province-wide expertise, coordination, and purchasing power. Together, local governments, BC Transit and the Province support transit systems that reflect community priorities and help people get where they need to go.
Key responsibilities
Local governments
Local governments shape transit in their own communities by:
- Identifying local priorities and transit needs
- Approving service levels, fares, fare policies and the local share of funding
- Supporting long-term transit planning and future growth
- Advancing land use, transportation, and infrastructure planning that supports transit
- Working with BC Transit to explore service improvements, expansions, and new infrastructure
BC Transit
BC Transit provides the expertise and coordination that keeps transit running across the province by:
- Planning and managing transit systems with local government partners
- Developing service plans, business cases, and long-term strategies
- Buying, managing, and maintaining the transit fleet
- Managing contracts with the operating companies that run day-to-day service
- Delivering transit infrastructure—exchanges, facilities, passenger amenities, and technology
- Monitoring performance, sharing customer information, overseeing safety, and providing operational support
- Coordinating provincial programs and shared services that create efficiencies across systems
Province of British Columbia
The Province supports public transit by:
- Providing major operating and capital funding
- Setting the legislation that guides BC Transit
- Advancing transportation, climate, accessibility, and mobility goals
- Partnering on major transit investments and infrastructure projects
How decisions get made
Transit systems evolve through long-term planning, annual investment decisions, and ongoing collaboration between BC Transit and local governments.
Most transit systems are guided by long-range plans, service reviews, and other plans that highlight priorities and opportunities. Local governments choose which projects to move forward and commit local funding.
Because transit investments require shared funding, improvements move ahead based on local priorities, project readiness, and available provincial funding.
How transit is funded
BC Transit’s transit systems run on a shared-cost funding model.
For conventional transit, local governments and the Province generally share operating costs after fares and advertising revenue are applied. Custom transit (handyDART) receives more provincial funding to keep it accessible for customers who are unable to use conventional service due to a disability.
This shared approach means communities of every size can benefit from professional planning, fleet management, and operational expertise that’s backed by provincial investment.
Building communities through transit
Transit is more than buses. Great transit depends on strong partnerships, infrastructure investment, and land-use planning that supports housing, jobs, and vibrant communities.
When local governments, BC Transit, and the Province work together, we help build transit that improves mobility, supports the local economy, breaks down transportation barriers, and connects communities.