The District of Port Hardy will be writing a letter objecting to the loss of Greyhound bus service to the North Island.
Greyhound Canada Transportation has applied to the B.C. Passenger Board to eliminate two routes that service the North Island. The application was made public in a mid-June bulletin from the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board.
Almost simultaneously, Tofino Bus Services Inc. has proposed to add two new routes that would service Nanaimo to Campbell River, and Campbell River to Port Hardy.
The minimum frequency of the buses travelling these two new routes would be the same or greater than the previous ones offered by Greyhound Canada.
“My initial thought is how can we best support them [Tofino Bus Services Inc.,] but do we as a council need to look into the business before we support it,” said Councillor Fred Robertson.
“I’m in favour of this alternative,” said Councillor Rick Marcotte, adding that likely the Greyhound service will be gone whether there are objections or not.
“No matter how much we plead, they are going to pull their service, as much as I’d like to see Greyhound remain,” Marcotte said. “We have a lot of people that have no other means of transportation to go down island,” said Marcotte, adding buses are also a great way to transport freight and goods.
“While we should be upset at losing Greyhound, [added to declining ferry service], I’m happy to see to see we have another option,” said Councillor Jessie Hemphill.
“I’m not giving up the ghost here,” said Councillor John Tidsbury.
“Greyhound has official status here. It’s very nice that this other outfit has stepped up, but the number one goal is Greyhound as far as I’m concerned.”
“I agree with Councillor Tidsbury. I think we as a council should send a letter stating Greyhound should stay,” said Councillor Pat Corbett Labatt.
“If we don’t write a letter stating our concerns we are doing our residents a disservice.
“The Regional District [of Mount Waddington] should do one too,” Corbett Labatt said.
Written comments had to be sent to the B.C. Passenger Board by mail or email by today (July 2).
Council voted to write a letter objecting to Greyhound’s application to cut its service.
Port Alice
The Village of Port Alice Council discussed the proposed cancellation of North Island Greyhound bus service at their June 24 meeting.
The B.C. Passenger Transportation Board announced in mid-June that Greyhound Canada has applied to eliminate two routes, one which includes transportation from Campbell River through to Port Hardy.
“I’m very concerned about this,” said Mayor Jan Allen, adding that she finds the proposed service cuts “totally unacceptable.”
Tofino Bus Services Inc. has applied for a licence to serve the North Island, effectively replacing the services that Greyhound could eliminate.
Community comments about the issue can be mailed to the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board by July 2.
