An efficient and affordable transit system is a key factor in economic activity, reducing the effects of climate change, and healthier lifestyles, said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure while addressing a BC Transit workshop titled, ‘Exploring possibilities, embracing change.’

The B.C. government is providing more funding to BC Transit to significantly increase handyDART service hours in Kamloops, benefitting persons with disabilities and seniors.

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink, issued the following statement regarding recent meetings with the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities:

Government is taking action to ensure that everyone who holds a BC Bus Pass will continue to have access to public transit systems across the province now that TransLink is closing its fare gates.

The British Columbia government is providing $324 million in operating contributions to BC Transit over the next three years.

To create equity in the system the Province is investing $170 million over the next three years to ensure about 100,000 people on disability assistance in B.C. will receive a rate increase of up to $77 a month as of Sept. 1, 2016.

British Columbia’s continued fiscal discipline and steady economic growth are providing the means for new and increased funding for services, helping families with the cost of living, and taking new steps to help promote home ownership.

Driving Miss Sayward, a fitness park for seniors and new dementia resources are some of the projects that will soon be underway as 28 B.C. communities receive age-friendly community planning and project grants totalling $496,165.