Work begins to expand transit options in Northern Rockies

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) staff members are already taking steps to address some of the transit needs outlined in a recent survey.

At the NRRM’s January 27th Committee of the Whole meeting, council members discussed the recently released Comprehensive Passenger Transportation Plan, which outlines gaps in available services that can be filled to address residents’ transportation needs.

The plan recommends the NRRM extend the hours of Fort Nelson’s Seniors’ Bus, which – despite the name – is open to all residents, and that the municipality establish a community shuttle-bus service.

According to a report to council presented at the January 27th meeting, staff members are already working with the Northern Rockies Seniors’ Society to expand the bus program’s operating hours.

“Staff continue to work on this initiative with the Northern Rockies Seniors’ Society and have noted that expansion of the program is already in progress,” the staff report reads.

Another recommendation included in the plan was for the municipality to subsidize a taxi service. 

According to the staff report, some thought has been given to the implementation of this idea, but there has been hesitancy from the person who currently holds the only licence to run a taxi business in Fort Nelson.

“He struggled with the business a little bit,” explained an NRRM staff member during the January 27th meeting. “I can’t speak to his personal concerns, other than, as staff, we have encouraged him to write into council and provide his story and, essentially, ask for what he needs to revitalize that business.”

If the current licence holder isn’t interested in relaunching his taxi business, staff members encouraged council members to look into options for reallocating the licence.

Ridesharing services and carpooling programs were considered as a way to expand local transit options without incurring significant expenses, but some council members expressed concerns regarding liability if the municipality promotes those independent services.

Staff members were ultimately directed to continue engaging with community members and stakeholders, seek out funding options for expanding transit services and look into the feasibility of the plan’s recommendations before bringing forward new suggestions.

Details for how to contact the NRRM and staff members are available on the municipality’s website.

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