So we're losing the Greyhound bus service. Now what are we going to do about it?
Many rural communities are already living without having this bus service. In communities like Athabasca, the service was also timed inconveniently for many users. All rural bus services are limited by the rural reality: fewer people, longer distances and car dependency.
But make no mistake. We need long-distance travel options throughout rural Alberta, and Canada. This service is essential and governments need to step up to provide it one way or another.
In 2015, a provincial report on rural health services was released. The report identifies transportation as a significant barrier for rural people to access health services. The report specifically references Greyhound services as part of the problem.
"Lack of public transit (bus or taxi), dependence on friends or relatives for rides, poor weather, poor road conditions, and cost of babysitters, fuel and accommodation were all repeatedly noted as barriers to care. Loss of Greyhound service has hit some communities particularly hard," the report said.
People, especially our seniors, requiring medical services in urban centres need a way to get there. Not everyone can drive, especially if we're talking about the sick and elderly. Our governments need provide to ensure public health care is accessible.
But people looking for things outside of health care should be able to get to the city, too. There are many good reasons people might not be able to drive there, including disabilities and finances. People should not be trapped just because they live in rural Alberta.
We also cannot ignore the affect this could have on our Indigenous communities. Far too many Indigenous traversing our highways are murdered. There is much our society must do to address that, but providing safe, alternative transportation options is one way to help that problem.
There is no easy solution here. Other private bus services besides Greyhound might help fill the gap. But where the private sector does not step up, we need all levels of government to take action.
Greyhound may be dying. But that should not spell the end of rural busing.
