The provincial government has invested $22.7 million into helping inter-city bus operators and regional airports stay open and provide essential transportation services.
It has made a one-time investment of $6.2 million to 20 inter-city bus operators and $16.5 million to 55 regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.
Seven Vancouver Island airports will receive provincial money, including Nanaimo Airport ($720,000), Comox Valley Airport ($360,000) and Alberni Valley Regional Airport ($180,000). Approximately $3.5 million will go to four Vancouver Island bus companies.
“With this investment, inter-city buses and regional airports will now have the funding they need to continue operating and serving people,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure.
The funds will be used for operating costs, like maintenance expenses for buses, air terminals and runways. It will also go toward payroll, rent and other overhead costs.
Over $1 billion in joint funding with the federal government will allow TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries to maintain essential transportation service levels throughout the province and help make sure fares remain affordable as part of BC’s Restart Plan, the province said.
