Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP and NDP Transport Critic, Taylor Bachrach presented a petition in the House of Commons calling on the government to create a national public bus service in response to the cancelation of Greyhound in Canada, which was the only regional bus carrier in the Skeena.

The petition highlights the importance of passenger rail and bus service in connecting small, rural communities, reducing climate pollution and supporting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice.

“For folks in the Northwest and across rural Canada, the end of Greyhound was just another nail in the coffin for public services in the North. We need national leadership from the federal government to create a public passenger service which re-connects communities across the country and ensures people can access jobs and services no matter where they live,” said Bachrach.

Bachrach held a recent virtual town hall about the impact of Greyhound’s cancellation and the importance for communities in the region of reliable and affordable access to passenger transport options.

“Over 100 people came together last month to share their frustrations but also their aspirations for what better public transport can look like. I’ve heard similar stories from residents in communities large and small across the region. The overriding message is that we need service which is safe, affordable, accessible and integrated to ensure that communities get the standard of bus and rail service they deserve,” said Bachrach.

Although there is currently a provincial funded BC Bus North program, critics say it is not a long-term solution and more funding is needed.