BC Transit officials prepare to douse flames at City council
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
The people have spoken and the bureaucrats have come calling.
BC Transit officials will appear before City council Monday night (tonight, 7 p.m.) at the committee of the whole meeting in council chambers to discuss the city’s ailing transit system and its partnership with the provincial department.
After Mayor John Dooley blasted the provincial organization last week for saddling the City with a $120,000 debt on its transit service, the provincial organization agreed to send two officials prior to delivering its review next month.
Mayor Dooley had given the provincial transportation company until the end of May to come up with a plan to tackle the $120,000 deficit the service has been saddled with.
The regional transit manager with BC Transit, Kevin Schubert, and the vice president of operations, Mike Davis, will discuss budget items and the current service review being undertaken by BC Transit.
At the Feb. 28 special council meeting, council passed a motion requesting staff consult with BC Transit and provide a report by May 31 on the options available to reduce the cost of delivering transit services in the city.
BC Transit has indicated their intent to “outline options to deliver the most effective transit system in the most efficient way.”
The City’s share of transit costs are $128,000 higher than was budgeted in 2010. Council targeted $100,000 from parking meter revenue to cover the majority of the shortfall.
There was also a 25 cent per ride increase to fares for all customers to help offset the rising transit costs — a move expected to generate $14,000 in 2011.
The City shares the cost of delivering a transit service with BC Transit, and takes some direction from them on routes and buses as well.
See related story
Mayor delivers ultimatum to BC Transit:
https://thenelsondaily.com/news/general/ultimatum-transit-delivered-province-mayor-10251
