Transportation

We know that transportation in our region presents a diverse array of challenges. From boat travel to bus routes, the way in which we access basic services has a large impact on our individual and community health as well as our health system.
The ACHN has committed to taking on a convening role for the topic of transportation in the ACRD. To be more effective together, the Alberni Clayoquot Health Network spearheaded the conversation to improve health equity in our region and improve access by commissioning reports and workshops  as well as convening Action Tables, Working Groups and project managing identified initiatives.

Successes

Wheels for Wellness

In January 2016 the West Coast Transportation Working Group worked with the Wheels for Wellness Society to conduct a pilot project for medical transportation services in the region. The pilot was a success with program ridership doubling in the first two months. In order to sustain this program the working group came together to leverage $34 000 for the capital purchase of the Wheels for Wellness van for the region.

While that program is no longer active this success has assisted to demonstrate the need for transportation to impact health in the region. Since its closure we worked closely with Island Health to ensure non-emergency medical transportation is still available and accessible in rural and remote communities. In February 2024 a new program with Island Health administration and coordination was launched. Check out the poster we made to make sure you know about it!

BC Transit

The rural communities on the far west coast of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District face significant challenges around transportation which limits access to employment, health services and access to basic needs. In order to address these needs and examine the feasibility of a transit system the West Coast Transportation Working Group and West Coast Committee of the ACRD have engaged in talks with BC Transit to conduct a Transit Feasibility study for the 5 communities with paved road access. The project was initiated through the West Coast Transportation Study Scope Setting report which builds on the Pre Feasibility Report completed for the District of Tofino in 2009. Since this time the Tofino – Ucluelet Transit Feasibility Study was approved by the Westcoast Committee of the ACRD and community consultations have been conducted. The project passed through an Alternative Approval Process with the ACRD to secure a tax base for the service. In 2020 the service was due to begin implementation with BC Transit but COVID delayed funding. By 2023 the community took maters into their own hands, working with the ACRD, WATTS Consulting and the West Coast Transportation Action Table an interim service was planned for the communities. In April 2024 the WestCoast Transit system started and the ACHN WC Transit working group has continued convening for evaluation and service revisions. BC Transit has been confirmed to take over and expand the service by 2025. All reports and info on the project are also available here.

Regional Transportation Asset Map

While working with the Regional Transportation Action Table we recognized that there was no tools for us to document the unique challenges of travel in our rural, remote and urban adjacent communities. In order to tell these stories and create a tool for further planning we created a google map documenting the modes, cost, time and frequency of transportation options between each community in our region with an emphasis on access to medical services. Since its completion the map has received attention from other local partners to uses outside its intended purpose… We will keep you updated on what more it can do in future renditions, until then take a look at it above or click here for an external link!