The Máthxwi Temexw Connector is a pilot initiative to extend the Abbotsford transit system to the Máthxwi First Nation Reserve. The community is currently underserved by public transit, with the nearest bus stop four kilometres away. Funding will be used to establish a pilot bus service with new bus stop in the Reserve.
The Máthxwi First Nation Reserve community is underserved by public transit, with the nearest bus stop four kilometres away—a distance that significantly exceeds BC Transit’s standard 400-meter walkshed. This lack of accessibility for the Máthxwi community and the Mathxwi Elementary School hurts community connectiveness, increases social isolation and is a barrier to equitable access to public transit.
Indigenous people are more likely to be killed and injured in motor vehicle crashes and also have lower rates of driver’s license possession. Thus, transit connection is crucial to finding employment, saving money on groceries and helping with social isolation and mental wellness. This project will address barriers to equitable transit access and concerns about pedestrian safety associated with walking along Harris Road, a high-speed, narrow, shoulderless road with a history of injury crashes.
Partnerships with BC Transit and the City of Abbotsford will be important for the success of this project. Matsqui First Nation will use funding provided through this Vision Zero grant, with Fraser Health’s support, to leverage this base funding to work with BC Transit and the City of Abbotsford to secure a pilot transit service to provide a safe public transportation option for its members.
Header source: Unsplash. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
