The government of B.C. has installed the first bus shelter for Bella Coola, offering families and transit passengers more comfort and safety.

The Central Coast Regional District and Bella Coola Valley Tourism asked government to build a shelter because more people are taking the bus, and they need shelter from bad weather. For $24,000, the government built the shelter at the busiest bus stop, near the grocery store in the centre of town.

Bella Coola transit service started in 2006 and provided 3,500 rides. Last year transit offered more than 18,000 rides. It is the only form of public transportation in Bella Coola. There are six scheduled trips a day and a Dial-a-Ride service. The transit fare is $2.50.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"We heard from community members that this shelter is important to them and a priority for transit users. The first shelter here offers transit riders a place to get out of the bad weather while waiting for the bus. I'd like to thank the regional district and the tourism association for bringing this to our attention."

Central Coast Regional District chair Brian Lande -

"The Central Coast Regional District is pleased to have participated in the construction of the new and only bus shelter in Bella Coola. It is a welcome addition to the town and will provide for a comfortable wait out of the elements. We've been known to have some rain here and the shelter will not only provide weather protection but offers passengers a place to sit, rest and visit while waiting for their ride home."

Bella Coola Valley Tourism president Leonard Ellis -

"We are fortunate to have a relatively new bus service here in the Bella Coola Valley for the general public and visiting tourists. The public bus shelter is certainly a welcome addition to our limited facilities here and will be especially nice to keep the general public sheltered when the weather sets in."

BC Transit president and CEO Manuel Achadinha -

"Our customers and the community of Bella Coola will benefit from this investment in transit by the government of British Columbia. Bella Coola's first bus shelter will help make our service more effective and efficient."

Media Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241