Rural Transit Needs Assessment

Updated July 13, 2026

About the Project

Transportation can be challenging in rural and remote parts of the FVRD. Many residents have limited transportation options, especially following the loss of Greyhound service in 2018. Getting to work, school, shopping, medical appointments, and other essential services can be particularly difficult for non-drivers, seniors, youth, and people living with mobility or health challenges.

The Rural Transit Needs Assessment and Action Plan will help identify:

• Everyday transportation challenges experienced by residents
• Where service gaps currently exist
• Opportunities for new transit partnerships
• Transportation solutions that could improve mobility and access to essential services

The project is exploring a wide range of options, from handyDART and on-demand services to community shuttles and other rural mobility models. It focuses on rural communities and First Nations within the FVRD, as well as the municipalities of Hope, Kent, and Harrison Hot Springs.

Note: This study is separate from previous engagement on the planned North of Fraser bus route and focuses on transportation solutions in the FVRD's rural areas that go beyond conventional fixed-route bus service.

Public Engagement

Public engagement for this project was carried out in two phases to help identify transportation needs, service gaps, mobility challenges, trade-offs, and priorities for improving transportation and transit across the region.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of engagement. Feedback received from community members will help inform recommendations for improving mobility in rural and remote communities.

• Phase 1, conducted in March 2026, helped identify key transportation challenges, service gaps, and community priorities across the region. Results from Phase 1 are available in the What We Heard Memo and Staff Report.
• Phase 2 concluded in July 2026, and a Phase 2 What We Heard report is currently being prepared. Engagement boards from the open houses are available on the project page. Anyone with additional comments or questions is welcome to contact the project team at stratplan@fvrd.ca
  
  

Learn About Transportation Service Ideas

As part of Phase 2, we shared examples of transportation service approaches used in other communities across British Columbia and Canada.

These examples are intended to help residents:

• Learn about different ways transportation services can be delivered in rural areas
• Understand the opportunities and trade-offs of different service models
• Consider what may work best in their communities

You can review examples of transportation service ideas from other communities here.

Working Together

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Rural Transit Solutions Fund and Fraser Health's Macro Health Grant for Hope and the Fraser Canyon.

The FVRD is working with project consultants, Left Turn Right Turn Ltd., to explore ways to improve mobility for rural and remote communities, informed by the experiences of:

• Residents of rural and remote communities
• First Nations
• Seniors and youth
• People with disabilities or limited mobility
• Non-drivers
• People who provide or rely on others for transportation