Whereas operational costs for the provisions of rural transit services continue to escalate in this inflationary environment; And whereas BC Transit budget projections for existing small rural transit services appear to have a higher percentage cost increase for community partners than the Province: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to consider the unique challenges faced by small rural transit services and consider the diverse needs of these communities; And be it further resolved that the provincial government through BC Transit adjust the funding formula for anticipated annual operational increases to a fair and equal cost-share formula between BC Transit and community partners.
Ministry of Transportation and Transit It is important for people to have safe, affordable and accessible travel choices. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has been exploring passenger transportation in rural areas and between communities and recognizes the unique transportation challenges faced by rural communities. Public transit is one of many shared mobility options available to communities in BC, along with services offered by the private or non-profit sector, such as inter-city or community buses and shuttles, taxis and ride hail, car share, school transportation, and health transportation services. Under the BC Transit model, local governments are responsible for requesting service from BC Transit that meets the needs of their community and that they are willing to cost-share. They are also responsible for setting fares and receiving the fare revenue to contribute to their share of costs. Lower density areas typically have lower ridership on all forms of passenger transportation, which impacts fare-recovery. The Province cost-shares in all BC Transit services and since 2017 the Province has increased BC Transits operating funding by more than 70 percent from 108 million in 201718 to 184 million in 202526 with a further planned increase of four percent by 202728.