A proposal by BC Transit for a service review in Powell River is timely, as there is potential for greater reliance on transit services and other transportation options in the region.
Community Energy and Emissions Inventories were established after the provincial government committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2007 levels by 33 per cent in 2020 and 80 per cent in 2050. The inventory found on-road transportation was the largest source of emissions in Powell River in 2007. Private vehicles are responsible for 60 per cent of total emissions.
The buildup of GHG emissions in the atmosphere is one of the driving forces of climate change. Human activity is interfering with the planet’s climate system, causing the Earth to become warmer. Increased concentrations of GHG in the atmosphere is the leading cause of global warming. The average car emits four tons of pollutants each year.
International studies have found that cities with strong transit systems require significantly lower total public and private spending on transportation. As well, they are able to divert saved money to other public priorities, such as tax cuts and asset management.
Strong transit is vital to “smart growth” strategies that help cities reduce the cost and undesirable impacts of urban sprawl. Transit reduces the amount of green space that must be paved over for new roads and parking lots. It also makes cities cleaner, quieter, safer and more convenient for getting around.
The proposed transit review is expected to identify a number of opportunities to make the system in Powell River more efficient. Many residents question why Powell River transit has such large buses, when smaller buses would seem to be adequate and would reduce fuel costs. Bus size is one factor expected to be examined during the review.
City staff have already identified a number of recommendations to improve the system, such as providing service to Powell River Recreation Complex in the morning, re-implementing an express route to Brooks Secondary School and providing service to modular home parks at the top of Duncan Street.
The public is a key part of the review and there will be numerous opportunities for residents to provide their thoughts and suggestions for improved service. It’s important to tap into the knowledge of transit users and find out from potential users what improvements are needed to increase ridership.
There are numerous benefits to strong and efficient transit systems and the service review provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen Powell River’s system.
