B.C. to fast-track applications for new long-distance bus service after Greyhound exit

B.C.'s Passenger TransportationBoardsays it will fast track applications for long-distance bus service after Greyhoundannounced an endtoall but one of its Western Canadian routes.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the board said it will encourage other companies to "fill the gap" left by Greyhound by taking several actions:

• "Moveinter-city bus applications to the front of the lineand give them priority status at each step in the process."
• "Streamline processing timelines for published applications, or
• "Apply the urgent public-need process, where publication is not required, for applications on rural or remote corridors."

The board is a self-described independent tribunal for licensing passenger transportation services,such as taxis, limos, inter-city buses and shuttle vans in B.C.