THE INVOLVEMENT of a First Nations government organization in the Hazeltons is helping kickstart BC Transit Service between that area and Terrace.
The Gitxsan Government Commission has now agreed to help finance the service on the part of its members – Gitanmaax, Glen Vowell, Kispiox and Gitanyow.
Those villages already help finance BC Transit service from the Hazeltons to Smithers so it made sense to do the same for a service west to Terrace, said commission executive director Diane McRae today.
“We've been meeting about this all along but we didn't want to tax their budgets for more so we decided to take it on,” she said.
The commission is now waiting to hear what the cost will be but it isn't expected to be substantial, McRae said.
Up to four other First Nation governments along Hwy16 between Terrace and the Hazeltons must also sign on but the agreement of the Gitxsan Government Commission is considered key to starting the service.
A government release today indicates that service should start late this spring and be three times a week.
The majority of the money to provide buses is coming from the province as well as two-thirds of the operating costs over five years.
The service will operate under the umbrella of the Kitimat-Stikine regional district which already provides the transit service in the Hazeltons, one for Terrace and area and one connecting Terrace with Kitamaat Village/Kitimat to the south.
The impetus for the Terrace to Hazelton service falls under the provincial government's plan to provide safe and effective transit along Hwy16 and is one part of a $6.4 million plan over three years.