NDP MLA Bailey says funding supports Vancouver bus operators and local jobs

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VANCOUVER – NDP MLA Brenda Bailey says funding for Vancouver bus operators will ensure companies are able to weather the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and help them plan for a post-pandemic world.

“This past year as brought a lot of uncertainty and difficulty for everyone. This is especially true for bus operators who’ve had to adapt their businesses and for people who rely on these services,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. “Over the course of this pandemic our government has been committed to supporting people and businesses and now as we begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel, this funding will ensure these services are available to people who depend on them now and into the future.”

The New Democrat government issued a one-time investment of $6.2 million to various inter-city bus operators and $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.  Inter-city bus operators and regional airports will use the funds to pay for operating costs, like maintenance expenses for buses, air terminals and runways, as well as for payroll, rent and other overhead costs that keep these services operating.

The following bus operators based in Vancouver are receiving funding:

  • Blue Cactus Coach Lines Ltd. (Snowbus): $130,171.50
  • Epic Rides: $224,400.00
  • Rider Express Transportation: $1,188,000.00
  • Squamish Connector: $128,174.40
  • Whistler Rides: $70,200.00

Inter-city bus operators help people, especially those living in rural communities, travel safely, affordably and efficiently for essential purposes. In the past year, the industry has experienced a significant decrease in ridership, affecting revenues. This funding will help companies maintain service over the next year and build back stronger as ridership returns.

This announcement is part of B.C.’s $10 billion COVID-19 response, which includes the StrongerBC for Everyone recovery plan — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24103