Expanded BC Transit service is being debated by City of Powell River council during its current 2018 budget discussions.
City director of infrastructure Tor Birtig reported to the finance committee on January 25 that BC Transit has proposed additional evening service Monday through Thursday and a route extension to Powell River Recreation Complex.
New hourly service would be added to all early evening bus routes from 6:40-8:15 pm.
“What we’re asking is for the service to commence in July,” said Birtig. “The impact for the city for 2018 would be approximately $17,000, and then going forward that cost would be $33,500 annually.”
That amount paid by the city, currently unfunded in this year’s budget cycle, would account for 47 per cent of the total cost with BC Transit funding 53 per cent.
Extending the route to the recreation complex would cost $6,450 while the additional evening service would add $10,650.
In 2014, the city conducted a review of transit service that included public input. In 2016, BC Transit identified Powell River as a candidate for potential expansion and the city’s committee of the whole recommended an application be submitted for funding to the transit authority for expansion of the system.
“On January 15, we heard from BC Transit that we would have an opportunity, if funding holds true from the province, that we will be able to get the extra service,” said Birtig.
Powell River buses currently carry approximately 200,000 passengers annually. Proposed additional runs will add an estimated 2,900 transit users per year.
“If it’s only 100 riders, it’s not really worth the expense,” said councillor Karen Skadsheim, who raised the possibility of a pilot project.
A trial period is not possible under the city’s management and operating agreement with BC Transit.
“Whether it’s the full service or just the complex, it would be ongoing,” said councillor and finance chair Russell Brewer.
The two additional departures on Monday through Thursday will fill gaps in evening service for people returning home from work, students who participate in after-school extra-curricular activities and residents attending community events.
Across the region, people have commented that the city needs transportation to the recreation complex, according to city director of parks, recreation, and culture Ray Boogaards.
“A lot of people in the regional district want to know why the bus doesn’t go to the complex,” said Boogaards. “A lot of our clientele now are getting to be seniors. We're trying to make it really simple for them to get to the complex.”
A discussion about the logistics of bringing bus service to recreation complex is necessary if BC Transit endorses the application, according to Birtig.
“We'd be looking to the assistance of bylaws to ensure that corridor around the complex is maintained clear,” said Birtig. “The other thing we have to look at is some changes to the drop-off spot, especially on the upper side.”
Birtig said changes would include creating an elevated surface with a ramp.
None of the current city councillors use the bus service for the same reasons many regular transit users complain about: frequency and destination.
“Usually, I’m not going where it happens to be going,” said Skadsheim. “For me to go from my house in Townsite to Marine Avenue I have to go all the way through Cranberry to Town Centre and get on another bus to go to Marine.”
Brewer said the bus is not convenient enough for him to use.
“I view BC Transit as an essential service,” he said. “A lot of people absolutely rely on it and they have no other option. I have other options.”
The recommendation has been referred to ongoing budget discussions.
