Exploring Transportation Options
For Ladysmith & Surrounding Communities
Public transportation was identified as one of ten priority themes in the Poverty Reduction Strategy developed by the Town of Ladysmith through their CommUNITY Together to End Poverty Hw-nuts’-ulwum project in 2021. Recommendations and actions were made based on extensive community input. The Strategy emphasized that poor public transportation disproportionately affects those living in poverty, making it challenging to access jobs, groceries, medical appointments, and education, especially for those with physical limitations, given the town's geography.
The Exploring Transportation Options for Ladysmith and Surrounding Communities project investigated the feasibility of the transportation actions proposed and heard from the community to fully understand the transportation gaps and needs, and to identify possible solutions. A Transportation Action Committee was established to guide the two public engagement processes and oversee the project. Social Planning Cowichan was the project lead, facilitating regular meetings of the Transportation Action Committee, coordinating the public engagement activities and researching and writing the feasibility report.
The first public engagement survey highlighted that individuals without vehicle access often feel disconnected from the community.
Many rely on others for rides, limiting their ability to work, socialize, shop, and engage with nature. A lack of reliable transportation particularly affects youth, seniors, and those with diverse abilities.
The top options for improving transportation in and connecting to Ladysmith that were identified by community through the first public engagement survey were:
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Neighbourhood Shuttle Service: A hop-on, hop-off model for better coverage and connectivity.
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Safer Active Transportation Infrastructure: Enhanced bike lanes and other safety/security measures.
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Reliable Taxi Services: Improved and more frequent local taxi options.
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Recruiting a Local Rideshare Service: Establishing a rideshare program to meet community needs.
The second round of engagement focused on the feasibility and effectiveness of these four options.
We invite you to learn more about this project and the potential solutions as generated by community members in the report.