OTTAWA — Greyhound Canada’s announcement that it will permanently shut down all of its bus lines is devastating for the communities who rely on this critical service, many of which have been underinvested in for decades.
The Green Party of Canada has long raised the alarm on the need for urgent action to address the erosion of public transportation across the country. The loss of Greyhound Canada’s bus routes is yet another wake-up call that we cannot wait to act to secure affordable and accessible transportation for every person in Canada.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, rail and bus routes have endured significant cutbacks. In addition to the shutdown of Greyhound bus services, Via Rail and Air Canada have also suspended services in various regional corridors. The announced Greyhound shutdown will hit vulnerable communities - rural communities, low-income people, seniors, students, and Indigenous Peoples - the hardest.
“We know that many people who rely on bus lines have no alternative options to get to where they need to go,” said Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. “At a time when the pandemic has deepened and exacerbated inequities, the federal government should be doing all it can to support access to essential services by the people who need it the most.”
“We must recognise the devastating impact that this shutdown will have on reconciliation. We know from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Report that access to public transportation is one of the most important things that can be done to keep Indigenous women and girls safe. It is unfathomable to leave them with even fewer transportation options than they already have.
“People in Canada need accessible, affordable, safe, and green transportation, which will revitalize our communities, keep people safe, and without which we will not meet our climate targets. The Green Party of Canada calls on governments, both federal and provincial, to make public transportation a priority and to ensure people in Canada have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation in every community.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206