Government of Canada and Province of BC COVID-19 relief funding to support public transportation

BC Transit would like to thank the Government of Canada and the Province of BC for providing funding to cover the significant additional expenses and lost revenue related to COVID-19.

The $86 million in funding for 2020/21 and 2021/22 will help cover the costs of:

  • Lost revenue at the fare box
  • Lost gas tax revenue for the Victoria Regional Transit System
  • Additional expenses to improve safety and comfort for BC Transit staff and customers

“Having access to affordable and reliable public transportation is key to maintaining sustainable communities, especially during a public health crisis,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “This funding will allow BC Transit and our local government partners to continue providing essential transportation services as we welcome customers back onboard who are returning to school, work and other activities.”

BC Transit has continued to follow the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC in response to COVID-19. Along with a move to mandatory face coverings on all buses that began on August 24, our response measures include:

  • Enhanced cleaning of buses and facilities
  • Protective temporary vinyl panels or full driver doors installed for drivers on all buses
  • Capacity management to keep buses at a comfortable load
  • One way passenger flow entering through the front of the bus and exiting through the rear of the bus

The $86 million is part of a $1.08 billion funding package from the Government of Canada and Province of BC to support local governments and public transportation.

To find out more about the funding announcement, please visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/23162

To find out more about BC Transit’s response to COVID-19, please visit: bctransit.com/covid19.

Media contact

BC Transit Communications
250-880-1303