Safe Restart Agreement funding supports reliable public transportation and affordable fares in British Columbia
News release
Victoria, British Columbia, December 4, 2020 – People throughout British Columbia will continue to have access to safe, reliable and affordable public transportation as the province restarts.
Agreements for Safe Restart Agreement funding have been signed with TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries.
Contribution agreements with the three transportation agencies have been finalized. These agreements set out specific details and requirements of the three agencies as they share in the $1.038 billion in funding from the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia under the federal/provincial Safe Restart Agreement.
With these agreements, people will have certainty that the public transportation they rely upon will remain available and affordable as part of British Columbia’s Restart Plan. At BC Ferries, this means no fare increase this fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, and that future increases over the next three years will be limited to rate caps established prior to the pandemic. Minimum service levels and additional sailings to meet community needs will be maintained through at least the next three years.
Any fare changes for BC Transit and Translink are capped at affordable levels through to BC Transit’s fiscal year end of March 31, 2024 and TransLink’s fiscal year end of December 31, 2024.
The Province of British Columbia has worked closely with the agencies to fully understand the financial impacts on their operations arising from the pandemic, including additional COVID-19 safety measures and measures to keep fares affordable.
Quotes
“We British Columbians rely on TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries to provide us with safe, accessible and affordable transit service. Through the Safe Restart Agreement, our federal government is providing critical funding to ensure British Columbians who count on these transit services can continue to rely on them to go to work and for other essential errands and visits.”
‑ The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government
“This significant, one-time funding demonstrates our commitment to the public transportation that people rely on. This ensures that these essential services are maintained across the province, and that fares remain affordable – providing certainty for people as we recover from these challenging times.”
- The Honourable Rob Fleming, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“Our public transportation systems must continue to be strong, affordable, and able to get people where they need to go – to work, to school, to get groceries, and more. This funding will support these services so they’re here for us as we get back to normal.”
- The Honourable George Heyman, British Columbia Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
“We thank our provincial and federal partners for this important relief funding. This package will help cover the substantial net revenue losses we are currently incurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and allow us to keep fares affordable for our customers during this time. This commitment shows transit is an essential part of a smooth economic recovery.”
‑ Kevin Desmond, President and CEO of TransLink
“The federal and provincial Safe Restart funding will assist the long-term sustainability of the ferry system and the coastal communities that we serve. This investment in the ferry system ensures commuters get to work, children get to school, visitors get to coastal communities when safe to do so, and goods get to market.”
‑ Mark Collins, President and CEO of BC Ferries
“The funding from the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia will allow BC Transit and our local government partners to continue providing transportation services our customers can rely on despite the impacts of COVID-19. Thank you to our customers, employees, and partners for their ongoing support of public transportation in British Columbia.”
‑ Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO of BC Transit
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For more information (media only), please contact:
Corinne Havard
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
343-551-9740
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250-356-8241
Media Relations
Privy Council Office
613-957-5420
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