Does B.C. need an intercity transit network to fill the gap left by Greyhound?
When Greyhound left B.C. back in 2021, it left behind a huge hole for millions of residents, one that a transit advocacy group is calling on the government to fill.
The Public Transit Alliance of BC put out a campaign release late last month on intercity transit, suggesting that for folks without a vehicle, getting across the province is “expensive, unreliable, or simply impossible.”
In 2025, Daily Hive Urbanized shared that FlixBus does operate some former popular Greyhound routes, but the intercity transit that the alliance is calling for is much larger in scope.
The group is calling on the government “to honour its promises and create a public intercity transit network, connecting communities from Sparwood to Prince Rupert.”
Within this proposed network, the alliance hopes for “affordable fares, reliable schedules, comfy coach buses, and accessible, coordinated service that gets you where you need to go.”
The alliance suggests that without this intercity network, many are living in increased isolation and forgoing healthcare and other services they might need.
“Those who do not drive, the elderly, people with disabilities, and youth face real barriers to connecting with friends, family, schooling, volunteering, employment and community opportunities.”
When we shared the FlixBus story, the comments section was in vehement support of the move, with many lamenting the loss of Greyhound.
“Greyhound had a tremendous BC network back in the day. Hopefully, it can start making a comeback,” a Daily Hive reader shared.
Another reader said, “Please increase bus services! PLEASE.”
Greyhound Bus/Facebook
We asked the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit for its thoughts on the calls for a new intercity transit network.
The Province said that since Greyhound’s exit in 2018, it’s been working to improve service, particularly in rural and remote parts of B.C.
“There are several services supporting travel, including BC Bus North,” the ministry said, adding that BC Bus North provides long-distance routes with provincial funding.
It also pointed to the Northern Community Shuttle program, which funds eight community-led, flexible shuttle services in smaller and underserved areas.
“The ministry focuses on solutions that complement existing services. Many proposed routes are already served by private operators such as EBus, Rider Express and Wilson’s, while BC Transit offers inter-city service in many regions,” it said.
The ministry also says that BC Transit partners with local governments, and that the Province will continue to strengthen these partnerships to improve transit access across B.C.
It might seem like a weird time to ask for a new transit system when B.C. is struggling so much financially, but the Public Transit Alliance makes a case for that, too.
“Better travel is essential to well-being and encourages economic development. An intercity coach network will also result in savings, including reduced demand on health, social, and emergency systems, and can be largely funded from existing budgets,” the alliance says.
Transit Alliance
“Connected transportation also supports climate goals, strengthens local economies by connecting people to jobs, education, and services, and makes it possible for more residents to participate in cultural, social, and political life across the province,” the alliance adds.
Do you think the government is doing enough to connect the province via transit?