SURFACE RURAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN CANADA

Events and activities in rural public transportation in Canada during the past 10 years are described based on material drawn from government reports, transportation guides, and field observation. All surface modes that provide common-carrier "public" access service are included as well as certain paratransit services that do not completely fit this definition but are nonetheless judged to be relevant. In Canada, most rural public transportation services are medium-distance operations (80-400 km or 50-250 miles) and perform an intercity function as well. Short-distance rural transportation can be found in a variety of forms across the country but is less widespread. Existing service arrangements and government programs are outlined, and a number of case summaries that illustrate new activity in recent years are discussed.