Transit Minor Betterments

The Transit Minor Betterments program provides up to $100,000 funding for minor transit-supportive projects such as bus stop improvements (pullouts, paving), transit shelters and lighting, accessibility improvements, signage and wayfinding support, and more.

Funding can only be provided for projects that begin and are completed within the fiscal year (between April 1 and March 31).

Eligible applicants:

• Local governments
• First Nation communities or organizations
• Organizations working in partnership with a local government or First Nation community (e.g., economic development corporations or not-for-profit organizations) – note that a letter confirming the partnership is required
• TransLink or BC Ferries
• Ministry of Transportation and Transit Regional/District Offices
• Other provincial ministries
• Other organizations at the discretion of the program

Transit Minor Betterments funding is available for:

• Transit shelters, benches, lighting, and other bus stop amenities
• Signage and wayfinding support
• Bus pullouts or other paving improvements
• Accessibility enhancements such as sidewalk improvements, expanded concrete pads, and supports for sensory impaired riders
• Park & Ride facility improvements
• Engineering studies and designs relevant to transit
• Other transit-supportive projects as approved by the program

The funding is not available for:

• Vehicle purchases
• Ongoing operating costs such as regular staff costs
• Projects that are eligible to be funded through the BC Transit Shelter Program

Agreement and insurance

The program can only fund eligible costs that are undertaken after the following documents have been completed:

• A signed letter of agreement between the applicant and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit
• Certificate of Insurance: Confirmation of required insurance by the applicant’s insurer is required to secure full funding approval

NOTE: Provincial and ministry applicants are not required to complete these documents.

The program will work with applicants to explain this process and all requirements once the application has been supported.

Letter of endorsement

Projects that are supporting transit services provided by a transit agency such as BC Transit or TransLink must receive a letter of endorsement from the agency confirming support for the project.

Permits

Projects that are located on highway right-of-ways may require permits and licensing to carry out the work.

• Learn more about highway use permits
• Contact the district office if you have questions about highway use permits in your area

Public transit enables people to access jobs, education and participate in their communities. It also plays a social role in transporting people who may experience transportation challenges due to distance, medical, financial, or physical limitations.

The goal of the Transit Minor Betterments Program is to fund minor transit-supportive projects that improve the transit experience.

Approved projects must support one or more of these program objectives:

• Safety: improve the operational and personal safety of transit for riders, pedestrians,operators, and other road users
• Supporting partners: responsive to local requests for improvements on provincial highways or publicly supported transit and passenger transportation
• Ridership: increase transit usage and improve the quality of the transit experience
• Accessibility: enable access to transit for those with mobility challenges
• Integration: enable smooth connections between transportation modes and service providers
• Equity and reconciliation: support access to public transit for equity-deserving and disadvantaged people, and First Nation communities

Other transportation funding and grants:

• Other Infrastructure Funding Programs
• BC Active Transportation Grant 
• BC Transit Shelter Program 
• Refer to the Regional Trust responsible for your area to explore other economic development funding opportunities:
  • Northern Development Initiative Trust 
  • Island Coastal Economic Trust 
  • Economic Trust of the Southern Interior