Transit Future bus attracts attention near the transit exchange at Pine Centre Mall

Prince George, BC – BC Transit is pleased with the number of city residents taking time to offer their thoughts on future plans for bus service in Prince George during two public sessions today.

"Today’s been a rainy day and we’ve had over 100 people come out and visit us at the two sites," says Senior Transit Planner, James Wadsworth.  "Tomorrow, we expect a whole bunch more at Canada Day celebrations (at Fort George Park) because we know it’s going to be a busy event."

BC Transit provides bus service in Prince George, in partnership with the City.  On average, 5300 people ride transit daily, which, Wadsworth says, compares well with similar-sized communities such as Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Kamloops. 

The ‘open houses’ are part of the corporation’s effort to develop a 25-year strategic plan for the community.  "We’re trying to do a plan to align with the future land-use plans, and growth and development of Prince George," says the BC Transit rep.  "There are some areas of the city that aren’t yet developed that will have to to look at transit in the future or connections.  We might not have any (service there yet), but we will in the future – like out to the airport."

Some of the comments left on post-it notes inside the bus today suggested: smaller buses, seatbelts, converting buses to natural gas, more frequent service to College Heights, bus shelters at stops along the Hart Highway.

"People are looking for frequent, direct, fast service.  They’d like to see service match demands, so, in some cases, in some neighbourhoods where there’s lower ridership, does it make sense to use a smaller bus?"

Wadsworth says that’s just one issue BC Transit will consider as it works out a long-term strategy for Prince George.  Transit has tested out the smaller, 20 seat buses and is looking to put them in ‘communities where it makes sense to do so."

Anyone unable to stop by the Transit Future bus can fill out a survey online by clicking here

"We’d really welcome as much input as we can get because it’s really helping us develop a plan that aligns with where people want to see improvements in the future."