BC Transit gets $86M in funding to cover expenses and lost revenue due to COVID-19

The federal and provincial governments have announced how BC Transit, Translink and BC Ferries will share more than $1-billion in funding from the Safe Restart Agreement.

BC Transit will receive $86 million in funding over the next two years, which will cover a number of costs related to economic recovery from COVID-19.

That includes:

• Lost revenue at the fare box
• Lost gas tax revenue for the Victoria Regional Transit System
• Additional expenses to improve safety and comfort for BC Transit staff and customers

“Having access to affordable and reliable public transportation is key to maintaining sustainable communities, especially during a public health crisis,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit president and CEO.

“This funding will allow BC Transit and our local government partners to continue providing essential transportation services as we welcome customers back onboard who are returning to school, work and other activities.”

The Safe Restart Agreement was announced earlier in the summer and the cost is split 50-50 between the Government of Canada and Government of BC.