CommunityTransportation

Rural transit services to be introduced in Yukon

The void left by the collapse of Greyhound bus services several years ago is now being partially filled in the Yukon.

At a news conference held this morning in Whitehorse, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, along with representatives from the Liard First Nation, announced new routes are being introduced between Dawson City and Whitehorse, as well Watson Lake and the capital.

“There will be new transit service to connect communities in and around Dawson City and Watson Lake to Whitehorse  after a joint investment of more than $3.3 million from the federal government and First Kaska GP Ltd., the economic development corporation of the Liard First Nation,” the announcement stated.

The project includes two new stops, the purchase of seven transit vehicles, and two transit garages.

Most of the buses will hold 24 passengers, with some larger vehicles being used as well.

The transit service will expand daily routes and connections between Whitehorse and surrounding rural communities for years to come, the announcement said.

Ottawa is investing $3 million in the project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and First Kaska GP Ltd is contributing $303,000.

“Improving transit service in the Yukon to connect rural communities is helping northern regions strengthen, thrive, and become more self-sustaining,” Hanley said.

“It also brings people together, connecting our territory. With the new transit service from Watson Lake and Dawson City to Whitehorse, northerners will be better connected and able to travel more easily and safely.”

Jasper Lamourelle, First Kaska GP Ltd.’s CEO, added “northern and Indigenous communities rely on transit routes to help them get to where they need to go and travel more efficiently and reliably. We appreciate this investment to expand on the existing transit service in Watson Lake, Dawson City and Whitehorse and will help improve quality of life for people by enabling quicker access to other communities for what they need.”

The service to and from Dawson City is expected to be running sometime in the new year. It will run twice a week to begin with.

The current service between Watson Lake and Whitehorse runs three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That’s expected to continue.

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