Quesnel Transit is expanding.
And it comes as no surprise considering in 2010, more than 83,000 residents chose the bus.
“That’s a four per cent increase from 2009,” City of Quesnel transportation manager Harlene Hunt said.
Expansion routes includes service to Westland, Dennis and Gassoff Roads in September.
“This will supply hourly service to those residents,” Hunt added.
Last week Hunt, along with Mayor Mary Sjostrom, mayors from Williams Lake, Wells and Prince George, CRD director Ted Armstrong and various staff attended several meetings with BC Transit reps.
“It was a great opportunity to hear what they’re seeing,” BC Transit president and CEO Manuel Achadinha said.
“Once a year we take our board on the road, meet with partners and receive feedback.”
Achadinha added the board recognizes the need to focus on every community and understand the varying needs.
“We’re finding the smaller communities needs and services are growing leaps and bounds,” he said.
“More and more people are looking to transit to meet their needs.”
As evidenced by Gold Pan numbers, Achadinha said the issue lies with expanding services, while keeping costs down.
“We need to continue getting the message out there,” he added.
“We need to make sure residents are aware of services and begin to target different groups.”
Sjostrom, who sits on the provincial transit board, agreed.
“Overall we need to closely look at various routes,” she said.
“Look at new ones, maintaining ridership, promoting transit and as it continues to grow, provide better service.”
Because, as Achadinha pointed out, transit is “one piece of the puzzle.”
“Money, environment, convenience,” he said.
“It’s all of it for riders.”
