Residents of several remote communities in BC will soon benefit from expanded travel support under the Travel Assistance Program (TAP). Starting December 19, ferry routes between Dodge Cove, Metlakatla, Oona River, Kitkatla, Hartley Bay, and Prince Rupert will be covered for people traveling for non-emergency medical specialist appointments.
The newly added routes include ferry services from Dodge Cove to Prince Rupert, as well as those connecting Metlakatla, Oona River, Kitkatla, and Hartley Bay to the city. Additionally, the Tuck Inlet to Prince Rupert route, including Aero Point via the Lax Kw’alaams Ferry, will also be included in TAP coverage. This expansion ensures that people living in these ferry-dependent communities won’t face financial barriers when seeking necessary medical care outside their communities.
TAP helps cover the cost of travel for patients who need to access healthcare services not available in their home areas. With the addition of these routes, more people in rural, remote, and First Nations communities will receive much-needed support, reducing travel-related stress and improving access to specialized health services. The expanded program reflects ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for residents in northern and coastal regions of the province.
