Greyhound Canada’s Bus Service to Permanently Shut Down After Almost a Century
Greyhound Canada Shuts Down Operations in Canada
In a significant blow to rural communities across Canada, Greyhound Canada has announced that it will be permanently closing its operations, marking the end of nearly a century of bus service. The decision comes after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in demand for public transportation.
A Legacy of Service
Greyhound Canada began operating in 1929 and was a vital link between rural communities and larger towns. However, with declining ridership and increased competition from other transport providers, the company has struggled to stay afloat. In 2018, Greyhound ended all services in western Canada due to falling ridership.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on public transportation systems across the globe. With many people opting for alternative modes of transport or working remotely, bus companies like Greyhound have seen significant declines in revenue. In this case, Greyhound Canada was unable to recover from a year without revenue, forcing the company’s owners, FirstGroup, to make the difficult decision to close operations.
No Impact on US Services
It’s worth noting that Greyhound Lines Inc (USA) will continue to operate cross-border express services when the border reopens. This means that while Canadian residents may no longer be able to rely on Greyhound for inter-city bus travel, those in the United States can still use the service.
Government Support**
The federal government has faced pressure in recent years to improve transportation links between rural areas and larger urban hubs. While the closure of Greyhound Canada’s operations is a significant setback, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has pledged to work with provinces to address the gap left by the bus company. This commitment acknowledges the importance of reliable public transportation for Canadians living in rural areas.
What Next?
The permanent closure of Greyhound Canada marks a new chapter in the country’s transportation landscape. As governments and transport providers look for ways to fill the void, communities will need to come together to find alternative solutions. This may involve investing in community-led initiatives or partnering with existing bus operators to ensure that rural residents have access to reliable transportation.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
- "We know that many Canadians depend on this service," said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.
- "Operations are not feasible absent of financial support," noted Stuart Kendrick, Senior Vice President at Greyhound Canada.
Sources:
- "Greyhound Canada permanently shuts down", The Globe and Mail, February 2023
- "Transport minister disappointed in Greyhound’s closure", CTV News, February 2023
Additional Resources
- Greyhound Canada: Official website
- Transport Minister Omar Alghabra: Twitter page
- Canadian Transportation Agency: Website
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- "Transportation in Rural Areas: Challenges and Opportunities"
- "The Impact of COVID-19 on Public Transportation Systems"
- "Greyhound Canada’s Legacy: A Look Back at the Company’s History"
