April 2, 2026
Prince George, B.C. — Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) is proud to announce that Tahltan NST Busing Ltd. (TNST), is the successful applicant and new operator for BC Bus North, starting April 1, 2026.
BC Bus North is a provincially- funded service delivering safe, reliable and affordable bus transportation throughout northern BC. NDIT allocates the funding and manages the project.
“We are pleased to welcome Tahltan NST Busing as the new operator of BC Bus North. This is a clear demonstration of how we can strengthen regional transportation while advancing economic reconciliation,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “People in Northern B.C. deserve safe, reliable and affordable travel options, and this partnership supports that commitment. I look forward to seeing the continued success of BC Bus North as it delivers vital connections for families, workers and communities.”
“Reliable transportation is essential for families, workers and students across the North,” said Ben Campbell, CEO, NDIT. “We are pleased that TNST will be the new provider for BC Bus North. Their experience and local knowledge make them a tremendous service provider for northern B.C.”
TNST is a trusted, local company, headquartered in Prince George, with extensive experience driving some of the province’s most remote and challenging roads. They have built their foundation on exceptional safety performance, knowledgeable drivers and deep connection to the people and places of the region. TNST brings decades of proven service throughout rural and remote northern B.C. communities.
“We are honoured to serve the people of northern B.C.,” said Paul Clermont, founder and CEO of Northern Spirit Transportation (NST). “Our team lives here, travels here and is deeply familiar with the terrain and the unique geographic needs of our region. We are committed to delivering safe, dependable transportation that respects the Traditional Territories we operate within, and we also look forward to welcoming travellers aboard.”
Clermont, along with Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), are proud to see their joint venture, TNST, become the service provider for BC Bus North.
Tahltan Nation’s traditional territory spans northwestern BC, near Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek.
“Tahltan Nation Development Corporation welcomes this operational transition as a positive step in maintaining reliable transportation for communities while strengthening regional capacity and long-term service delivery,” says TNDC.
This partnership advances several key provincial priorities, such as providing accessible and affordable regional transportation, rural connectivity, supporting local suppliers and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
BC Bus North riders will continue to experience safe, reliable and affordable travel. Schedules, routes, and service details remain the same and are available on bcbus.ca
Anna Duff
Director of Communications, Planning and Engagement
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250-561-2525 | anna@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent, regionally operated economic development organization dedicated to strengthening and diversifying Northern B.C.’s economy. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Northern Development supports resilient communities and sustainable growth across the region.
Tahltan NST Busing Ltd. is a joint venture between Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and Northern Spirit Transportation, bringing together First Nation leadership and decades of specialized transportation expertise. TNST provides large-scale, safety-driven transportation services across some of the most remote terrain and popular routes in northern British Columbia.
TNST is known for its uncompromising safety standards, deep regional knowledge and commitment to serving communities with respect, reliability and care.
BC Bus North is funded by the Northern Passenger Transportation Service Fund (NPTSF) created after the Ministry of Transportation and Transit approached Northern Development Initiative Trust (the Trust) in March 2021 to administer a $7.9 million fund to improve passenger transportation in Northern B.C.
Initially, a three-year funding commitment, the Ministry granted an additional $5.25 million to Northern Development in fiscal 2022 (March 2023) to extend the programs until March 31, 2028.
Today, BC Bus North provides inter-community long-haul service from Prince George, all the way northwest to Prince Rupert and northeast to Fort St. John, as well as Valemount and Fort Nelson and smaller, remote northern communities in between.
Since its inception, BC Bus North has travelled over 1 million kilometres and connected nearly 20,000 passengers to their destinations.
