Northern Health expands Connections bus service with new guidelines

More residents of the North Coast can access the Northern Health
connections bus after changes to eligibility for  the service
were announced on Wednesday
(photo from Northern Health website)

One day after the province of British Columbia rolled out it's one year test drive of the Northern BC Bus, Northern Health has modified some of the restrictions that the Northern Health Connections Bus has, opening up that service to increased passenger potential and another travel option for the Highway 16 corridor.

The additional passengers are eligible to travel on the Connections bus, if they meet the following criteria.

Accessibility needs - People with mobility challenges. All NHC buses are wheelchair/mobility accessible and include lifts and accessible washrooms.

60+ - Anyone 60 years or older will be eligible to ride the NHC bus. A report from the Office of the Seniors Advocate recently pointed out that access to transportation is an increasing barrier to the long term health of seniors.

Companion (definition expanded) – to include passengers who have to travel to support immediate family members who are receiving health care treatment or services outside of their home community.

Health Minister Adrian Dix outlined how the expanded access will serve the communities of Northern British Columbia,

“This expansion provides access to services for some of the most vulnerable people in the communities of Northern BC, the elderly and those with mobility issues,  “Including an expanded definition of companions helps support families when their loved ones are receiving care in other communities.”

The Northern Connections Bus travels from Prince Rupert to Terrace and Prince George and on to Vancouver.

Fares for travel are not changing, and passengers are no longer required to book a return trip to access the transportation service.

The

Prince Rupert - Terrace  10 dollars
Prince Rupert - Prince George 20 dollars
Prince Rupert - Vancouver 40 dollars

The Service departs the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital at 8AM on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday

It also stops at the rest stop near Port Edward

You can learn more about the service and book a trip here.

Some further notes related to Wednesday's announcement can be found here.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice also had some observations related to the Wednesday announcement from Mr. Dix, taking to her Facebook page to share the latest shift in the regions transportation options.

More items of interest related to Northern Health can be found on our archive page here.


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