Highway 16 Transit Service

Inaugurated in 2017, the Highway 16 transit service provides safe and affordable transportation services people can rely on.

• Smithers and District Transit System: inter-community service was added to connect Witset First Nation and the Town of Smithers (route 23).

• Bulkley-Nechako Regional Transit System: A new transit service was introduced connecting Burns Lake to Prince George (route 161) and Burns Lake to Smithers (route 162). Communities along the corridor benefitting from the service including Lake Babine, Wetsuwet’en, Burns Lake Band, Stellat’en First Nation and Siuk’uz First Nation.

• Hazeltons Regional Transit System: Existing local services was redesigned (route 163) and enhanced with new service to Terrace (route 164). Communities benefitting from the service includes Kispiox Village., Glen Vowell, Gitanmaxx, Gitsegukla, Gitwangak, Kitsumkalm, and Gitaus.

Providing service to First Nations’ communities and other rural communities of distance often have challenges and barriers to supporting  implementation. The proximity of First Nations to an established transit system and the close working relationship between First Nations and the Local Governments have contributed to the successful introduction of this transit service along Highway 16, helping to improve safety and community connections.

For transit services between Prince George and Smithers, please visit the Bulkley-Nechako Regional Transit System: BC Transit - Welcome to Bulkley-Nechako

For transit services between Smithers and Terrace, please visit the Hazeltons Transit System: BC Transit - Welcome to Hazeltons

For transit services in Smithers. Please visit the Smithers Regional Transit System: BC Transit - Welcome to Smithers

In 2022, BC Transit in partnership with the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and the Town of Smithers began a full review of the Highway 16 transit service. This Transit Future Service Plan includes an evaluation of the system and route performance and provides discussion on targeted improvements, optimization strategies for service, and infrastructure improvements. Please click here Highway 16 Service Review to visit the project page of the Transit Future Service Plan.

As part of this Transit Future Service Plan, we engaged with people all along Highway 16 from Prince George to Terrace. The results of this engagement can be found here  Public Engagement Summary Report

The Transit Future Service Plan is expected to be presented to the boards of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and the council of the Town of Smithers in early 2023.

For information on the 2016 Highway 16 plan please visit: BC Transit - Highway 16 Draft Transit Plan

For information on timeline of Highway 16 transit service please visit: BC Transit - What's Happened So Far

For information on the 2016 public engagement, please visit: BC Transit - Public Consultation