In January of 2020, Bulkley Valley Taxi Co. shut down service in the Bulkley Valley after 13 years of business. For a brief 14 months, another cab company opened shop, but closed in 2021 due to pandemic stress and the difficulty to retain drivers.

Those companies serviced the townships of Telkwa and Smithers, but also supplied rides for people travelling between the two, which is otherwise a 80 km/h two lane highway with no sidewalk and no overhead lights.

Will George, Smithers new Economic Development Officer, called a meeting in November to discuss public transportation concerns. In the meeting, he stated that the community meeting was called to "discuss taxi and ride sharing, and that stakeholders were invited to address concerns."

This information will be compiled for businesses reviewing the Smithers market. He provided a summary of BV Taxi business in Smithers and stated that the reasons provided for closing were that the local market was not strong enough. Will George has been in conversations with the Province (Ministry of Transportation) regarding ride sharing and ride hailing companies and corresponding restrictions or pre-approvals to operate. He acknowledged that there is a shortage of rental vehicles in this area and that since BV Taxi has closed, the Town of Smithers has received letters from local businesses and called the meeting to start a community dialogue to find solutions.

Listen to Will George on CICK News in the link below.