The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is giving out over $608,000 in grants to rural inter-city passenger transportation projects.
ETSI-BC officials said the funding will be used to enhance transportation plans, partnerships, technology, service communication, and seasonal connections between communities in the Southern Interior.
The program was done with help from the provincial government.
“21 organizations across the Southern Interior of BC have been allocated over $608,000 in funding. These projects will be led by First Nations, local governments, non-profit organizations, and private enterprises that partnered with public or non-profit entities,” said ETSI-BC officials.
Projects range from existing transportation service improvements to exploring opportunities for new services where there are critical gaps.
“A wide array of transportation services will be expanded or studied through these projects, including ski resort shuttles, medical and other bus services for vulnerable population groups, volunteer driver programs, carsharing, and ride-hailing,” said ETSI-BC officials.
Officials said the projects will improve social and economic conditions in various communities.
“They will address challenges for residents related to travelling to work, medical care, and shopping, as well as enhancing access to key recreation and tourism destinations in the region for both residents and visitors,” said ETSI-BC officials.
“With these approved projects, ETSI-BC will support the communities in our service area to explore and deliver transportation solutions. We are proud to support this breadth of community-led transportation projects across the Southern Interior and to be able to provide this funding thanks to the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,” said Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC.
“Funding transport initiatives for people to access better economic opportunities and recreational travel benefits everyone,” said Rob Fleming, BC’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This is especially pressing in communities where people’s ability to access basic services, jobs and recreational spaces are limited by regional connectivity. That is why our government continues to support initiatives like this that make a difference in communities across BC.”
You can see a full list of the projects that will get funding through the link below.
More: Regional Transportation Enhancement Funding Awarded to 21 Recipients (ETSI-BC)