Transit investments in B.C. will help steer rural commuters to a smoother ride

Gabriola Island, British Columbia, June 10, 2024 — The federal government is investing up to $1.7 million in rural communities across British Columbia for transit studies, planning projects, vehicle purchases, and supporting infrastructure.

On Gabriola Island, the funding will support their community bus system, Gabriola’s Environmentally Responsible Trans-Island Express (GERTIE). They will buy two electric passenger buses to replace the two passenger diesel buses currently in service. They will also buy two electric vehicle chargers to support the transition to greener transit.

The Indigenous communities of Squamish Nation, Stellat’en First Nation, Xaay Daga Dlaang Society, and the Xatsull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) will also buy new vehicles.  Meanwhile, the Cranbrook, Malahat First Nation, Musqueam Capital Corp, and the qathet Regional District will undertake transit studies and planning projects to establish transit options for their communities. 

Further project details can be found in the backgrounder.