The scale of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Responding to climate change is a significant priority for the B.C. government.

The Climate Change Accountability Act and 2021 Ministerial Order set the Province’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions target at 27-32% for the transportation sector by 2030. CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 sets out the pathways to achieve this target.

The Passenger Transportation Board (Board) continues to review its policies and procedures to ensure they support the government’s climate change programs and initiatives. The following initiatives are a few of those currently being undertaken by the Province and the Board.

Congestion study

The Board has commissioned a traffic congestion study in selected areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, under section 7(1) of the Passenger Transportation Act.

The study is being undertaken to address concerns over the potential impact of passenger transportation on road congestion, particularly in high-density urban areas like Vancouver. The study is being conducted throughout 2024, with a report anticipated in early 2025.

The Board industry advisory of August 16, 2023 provides further details.

Eco-friendly taxis

The Board’s eco-friendly taxi policy is a key element of the Board’s approach to address climate change priorities.

Eco-friendly taxis are already used in many parts of B.C., and this policy is intended to encourage and support increased use of these vehicles throughout the province.

You can read how the Board applies criteria for designating taxis as eco-friendly in the Policy Manual.

Clean Transportation Action Plan (CTAP)

The Clean Transportation Action Plan (CTAP) is a key commitment made by the B.C. government under its CleanBC Roadmap. The purpose of CTAP is to identify the next set of actions to achieve the 27-32% reduction in reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by 2030.

CTAP is intended to take action in five areas:

• reducing vehicle kilometers traveled,
• shifting to more efficient modes,
• increasing vehicle efficiency,
• transitioning the market to zero-emission vehicles, and
• transitioning to cleaner fuels.

The CTAP is anticipated to be published by summer 2024.

Rebates and incentives

There are several rebate and incentive programs available in B.C. that could help the passenger transportation industry to adopt clean transportation technology and support climate change goals. The Board website provides information and links to these programs.

More information

If you have questions about climate change initiatives and policy at the Board, please contact Jim Grove, Communications Officer at jim.grove@gov.bc.ca.