Enhancements to public transit were the topic of discussion between the provincial authority and local government officials.
Powell River Regional District Board meeting on Thursday, July 24, Maggie Hathaway, City of Powell River regional board representative, said she had attended a BC Transit study meeting. One of the items raised during the meeting was transportation synergies with School District 47. A BC Transit representative at the meeting said the school district had to make a request of them for improvements. While she was attending the meeting, Hathaway sent an email to Jay Yule, superintendent of schools, who said the district was interested and wanted to work with BC Transit to combine forces.
Hathaway said the school district had been waiting to hear from BC Transit. She expects the school district will follow up.
Colin Palmer, regional district chair, said the meeting was interesting with a lot of discussion about the city routes and recommendations for changes. There was also discussion about expansion to the HandiDart program. Palmer said it appears a third bus is required but expansion is a city responsibility.
In terms of regional responsibility for paratransit, BC Transit had some numbers, Palmer said, and there were some options discussed. One was to increase bus service to Lund. He said increasing service south of the city and to Texada Island was also discussed.
“When we get those numbers we can see what we want to consider,” Palmer said. He thinks BC Transit will have to provide some figures before October.
“They want to come back in October for a big meeting with ideas,” Palmer said.
He said if there was an option for south of town and Texada being served by one bus, it might also be worth considering.
“They seem to be interested in trying to help,” Palmer said.
