We want to learn more about your travel needs, if and how you use the existing rural bus routes, understand the transportation challenges in the region, and share some possible solutions.

Here’s how you can get involved:

The online survey will be open October 2-20, 2023. Join our mailing list to be notified when the survey is available.

Paper copies of the survey are available upon request. Call 604-485-2260, email croberts@qathet.ca, or drop in to our main office (#202-4675 Marine Ave) to obtain your copy.

Attend any of the drop-in open houses between October 16-19, 2023. See the schedule below for more details.

 

For any questions or concerns, contact Cherise Roberts, Special Projects Coordinator at 604-485-2260 or croberts@qathet.ca.

Unlike a fixed route service where the bus comes at set times to designated stops, on-demand transit riders typically use app-based technology to schedule rides when they need them. Routes, stops and overall travel-times are determined by passenger pick-up and drop-off destinations.

 

With partial funding from the qRD, BC Transit operates three fixed paratransit routes in the rural areas of the qathet region:

 

• Route 12: Stillwater
• Route 13: Texada Island
• Route 14: Lund

For information on travel times and stops locations, please visit the BC Transit – Powell River website.

 

The purpose of this project is to explore the feasibility of potential on-demand transit solutions and develop an implementation plan for the recommended scenario that would meet the needs of residents in Electoral Areas A, B, C and D of the qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation.

 

The overarching objectives of an on-demand transit service are to:

 

• Remove barriers to transportation in the rural areas of the qathet region,
• Establish reliable, accessible and frequent transportation,
• Provide mobility to seniors without private transportation,
• Connect youth to social cohesion, recreation, entertainment and employment,
• Connect the vulnerable to health care and professional services,
• Enable remote area residents the opportunity to employment and education, and
• Align with GHG strategy emissions and reduce vehicular CO2 emissions.

The ideal end product will be one that operates and is available at the times when the public needs it so they can enjoy a quality of life without roadblocks.

 

The final report will include:

 

1. An analysis of the existing paratransit service.
2. A simulation of an on-demand transit service.
3. A recommendation of the most effective option to achieve the project’s overarching objectives while maintaining financial viability.
4. An implementation plan for the recommended option that details the operational and capital requirements for an initial three-year pilot period.

We will be conducting an online survey and hosting several open houses this fall to get an idea of how you use the existing service, what your transportation needs are, and potential challenges and opportunities of an on-demand service.

 

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