Private Carrier Preferred by Government

The provincial government is rejecting calls to extend Ontario Northland bus service into northwestern Ontario.

Next month, Greyhound will be reducing service in parts of the region.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he'd rather see private bus company take over lost routes.

"When there is a private sector carrier," says Gravelle, "if not two, but one at least for sure that has an interest in taking over that service, I think we support the company that wants to do that."

The provincial government now subsidizes bus service to northeastern Ontario to the tune of $25-million a year, and some opposition members feel northwestern Ontario deserves similar treatment.