Victoria Unveils Highway of Tears Action Plan
Prince George, B.C. – The provincial government has unveiled a new $3 million five point action plan to enhance transportation safety along the Highway of Tears.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone says it will not only improve access to the transportation services along the Highway 16 corridor but also enable residents of First Nations communities to travel safely to and from rural towns and villages.
The five point plan includes the following:
-$1.6 million over 2 years for transit expansion. The funds will be available on a cost-shared basis with local communities to extend or enhance BC Transit services.
-$750,000 over 3 years for a community transportation grant program to purchase and operate vehicles. Again, the funds will be available on a cost-shared basis.
-$150,000 over 3 years for a First Nations driver education program.
-$500,000 over 2 years for highway infrastructure safety improvements including webcams and transit shelters.
-Collaboration to increase interconnectivity of services: The ministry will work to increase coordination of existing transportation services through B.C. Transit, Northern Health, not for profits and private sector providers.
The ministry has also appointed a new nine-person Highway 16 Transportation Advisory Group to oversee implementation of the action plan and to address input received during last month’s transportation symposium in Smithers.
Comments
???? sounds like the BC Government wants to compete against Greyhound.
Better late than never, I suppose, but why did it take so long?
Ah, so Clark finally steps up.. Guessing with all the bad publicity she is getting over child services she had to try to deflect it somehow.. But she is committing 3 million for missing women but paid 6 million for the basi virk trial.. Really shows her priorities are.
Since bands are getting resource money will the band’s put some of that money forward or have they?
What is the purpose of the First Nations driver education programme? How does that fit in?
How much money is PM Trudeau going to through at this?
“The ministry has also appointed a new nine-person Highway 16 Transportation Advisory Group to oversee implementation of the action plan and to address input received during last month’s transportation symposium in Smithers.” .. well, there goes 2.5 million right off the top.
An important and long overdue plan that appears to have some much-needed practical components. For those of you expressing concern about “competition to Greyhound” and what this will cost – I can only assume you don’t live in remote communities and have daughters, mothers and sisters who try to get to their family homes. Greyhound travel is hardly comprehensive. billposer, your question about the “purpose” of the FN driver education program outs you as lacking in basic understanding of the challenges faced on First Nation communities and local education options shows us that you’re not qualified to comment on any of aspect of this. Back to school for you!
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