Transit Service in Williams Lake Extended To More Communities

Williams Lake, British Columbia, August 15, 2008 - The Cariboo Regional District is set to extend new transit service to the Williams Lake fringe on August 18, 2008, thanks to combined federal and provincial funding.

The extended transit routes, which are made possible through funding from the provincial Transit Plan, will provide service to Dog Creek / Hodgson Road, Commodore Crescent, 150 Mile House and the Sugar Cane First Nations Reserve. The Williams Lake Transit system is also receiving $139,000 from the federal Public Transit Fund and the provincial Public Transit Infrastructure Program for capital improvements to the existing system. The new funding will provide 11 bus shelters, 20 route information signs and three new bike racks for buses.

"These transit system improvements will have a positive impact on the community by supporting increased ridership and better accessibility. The project is a great example of how the Public Transit Fund supports strong and healthy communities, and is consistent with our Government's Building Canada infrastructure plan," said Mr. Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George.

Through the Public Transit Fund (PTF), the Government of Canada is providing $400 million for public transit across Canada, of which $52.5 million will go to British Columbia. Through the Public Transit Infrastructure Program (PTIP), the Government of BC is providing an additional $52.5 million for public transit systems in BC. The PTF and the PTIP are administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

"It's important that residents have options for getting around their communities," said Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom. "The funding being invested in the CRD and across the province is building on the foundation of transportation infrastructure already in place, helping to make our communities even better places to live."

“The expanded service is the result of excellent partnerships between the province, The Cariboo Regional District, the City of Williams Lake, the Williams Lake Indian Band and BC Transit,” said CRD Chair Jon Wolbers. “The new service launched today provides much needed transportation without putting more cars on the road, resulting in a greener, healthier community to be enjoyed by all.”

“We are very pleased to have this Transit link,” added Chief Willie Alphonse of the Williams Lake Indian Band. “It will be of great benefit to our people working and travelling between our two communities.”

Surinderpal Rathor, Councillor, City of Williams Lake welcomed the expanded service, “This expanded service will not only benefit these four areas but our community as a whole, providing amongst other things a safe way into town for work.”

For more information about routes, schedules, fares and programs, visit www.busonline.ca or call 250-398-7812 or pick up a Rider's Guide on the bus.

For further information contact:

Shelly Burich, Manager of Communications, Cariboo Regional District
250-392-3351

Steve Harvard, BC Transit
250-995-5629