Whereas transit costs in small communities for the operation and leasing of vehicles continues to rise at a rate that is unaffordable for maintaining systems with smaller population bases; And whereas the transit riders in rural and small communities rely on the systems to attend appointments in larger urban centres and to commute to places of employment; And whereas rural and small communities have limited tax bases to draw on to pay for increased costs they are facing reductions in transit services to limited routes: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to develop a funding model for a small community transit service fund in addition to the small community transfer tax to support continuation of the vital links between and within smaller communities for those with limited means of transportation.
Ministry of Transportation and Transit The Ministry of Transportation and Transit recognizes the unique transportation challenges faced by small and 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. In some communities in BC, there is funding provided by the health authority to facilitate transit to access medical appointments. In other communities, such as Gabriola Island, independent transit services have been established by non-profit organizations, to enable flexible and community-based mobility. In northern BC, the Ministry provided funding to Northern Development Initiative Trust NDIT for transportation services, including the Northern Community Shuttle Program. Eight shuttles were approved for funding in 2025, providing two years of support for community-driven transportation solutions, ensuring that people in northern communities can access services, amenities and long-haul transportation connections. 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, increasing transit service levels across the province. And while the provincial government helps fund transit service in BC, decisions on routes and service levels are made by local governments. 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. BC Transit uses an evaluation process to determine which proposed service expansions from local governments will advance. BC Transit considers a variety of factors when making this decision, including fleet share, ridership potential and critical operations factors. This evaluation process balances the needs of all transit systems across the province.