Northern Development is now accepting proposals to the Inter-City Passenger Transportation Services for Northern BC (IPTS) grant program. Funded by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, this program follows the successful Northern Community Shuttle program under the Northern Passenger Transportation Service umbrella.
IPTS aims to provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation to rural communities in central and northern B.C. Transportation service providers who are qualified and experienced in public transportation are welcome to submit a proposal for grant funding through the program. It is anticipated that approximately $2.5 million will be available through the program. The deadline to submit proposals is August 29, 2022.
There are three objectives for IPTS:
- To provide inter-city scheduled passenger transportation service, through the operation of a safe, efficient, reliable and customer-service orientated passenger transportation management company with well-trained, supervised, managed and motivated professional drivers, maintenance staff, dispatchers, management and supporting staff using clean and well-maintained vehicles
- To deliver services in a manner that maximizes ridership, increases passenger revenues, considers route efficiencies, deceases the need for passengers to stay overnight and find accommodation, demonstrates coordination of passenger connectivity to other service providers where applicable including pick up and drop off points, maximizes positive customer comments, minimizes negative customer comments, minimizes fuel consumption, works diligently to protect the environment and provide these services at a reasonable cost
- To provide experience and knowledge in the development and/or operation of new revenue generating or cost reduction proposals to improve the affordability of inter-city passenger transportation services within the region, thereby supporting the long-term sustainability and viability of inter-city passenger services in Northern B.C.
For more information, including how to apply, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/northern-passenger-transportation-service/
