Transit System: Bulkley-Nechako, Hazeltons, Highway 16, Kitimat, Prince George, Skeena, Smithers, Terrace
Corporate – The project to implement transit services along a remote stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia is receiving high honours from the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and the Premier of British Columbia.
CUTA acknowledged the project with a 2018 Award for Safety and Security at its annual conference this week. The award recognizes transit organizations for their commitment to enhancing the safety and security of transit employees and customer though the development and implementation of effective safety and security program.
At the same time, the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan has also received a regional and provincial Premier’s Award for Partnerships, recognizing the collaborative efforts of BC Transit, the provincial government, First Nations communities, local governments and regional districts, and the families involved with the Highway of Tears initiative.
“People in northern B.C., and in particular women and teenaged girls, need to feel safe traveling between communities, and that’s what the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan is now providing,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena. “It’s wonderful to see how the increase in bus service, community vehicles and other aspects of the plan have come together and provided a significant boost to safe and reliable travel for people in northern B.C.”
The Highway 16 transit initiative included an introduction of four new transit routes and service enhancements to two existing routes. Based on feedback gathered through extensive consultations, the transit routes were designed to provide same day return service between communities and their largest regional centre. To date, approximately 14,000 people have used the service.
“These awards recognize the role that this transit service is now playing in improving the safety and security of people and communities along that corridor,” adds BC Transit Chief Executive Officer and President Erinn Pinkerton. “The project went from strategic concept to fully-operational service in a remarkably short time, and speaks to the collaborative work by our planners, engagement staff, provincial and local leaders and the residents themselves.”
For more information on the Highway 16 project, please visit BCTransit.com.
Media Contact:
Jonathon Dyck
Communications Manager
BC Transit
250-995-5720
media@bctransit.com
