Residents of Galiano Island are set to benefit from the island’s first-ever public transit system, thanks to a federal investment of $429,453 under the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). The funding will be used to purchase two electric minibuses, revolutionizing mobility on the 30-kilometre island and addressing longstanding transportation gaps.
The initiative, led by the Galiano Island Community Transportation Society, aims to improve access to essential services for youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, while promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly travel options.
Michael Hoebel, President of the Society, highlighted the community need: “A scheduled and flexible community transit system is a much-needed service for our rural island, especially given the distance between homes and ferry terminals. Keeping fares affordable and using electric vehicles supports both residents and environmental goals.”
The new transit service will connect key points across the island, enabling residents to commute to work, school, appointments, and social visits with greater ease and independence.
Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria, praised the project’s far-reaching benefits: “Public transit is integral to the well-being of every community. This investment in Galiano Island’s electric buses will improve air quality, accessibility, and support the coastal economy – from small businesses to tourism and transit jobs.”
The total cost of the project is supported by a $3,000 contribution from the Galiano Island Community Transportation Society, with the federal share coming from the RTSF – a fund designed to boost transportation infrastructure in Canada’s rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Quick Highlights:
- Federal investment: $429,453 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund
- Local contribution: $3,000 from Galiano Island Community Transportation Society
- Project scope: Purchase of two electric minibuses
- Impact: First-ever transit system for Galiano Island, improving accessibility and sustainability
- Broader context: Part of Canada’s climate plan and the upcoming Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) offering $3 billion annually for community transit needs
With one in five Canadians living in rural areas, initiatives like Galiano’s new transit system represent a step toward more inclusive and climate-resilient infrastructure across the country.
