Presented to: TBWG Fall Plenary, November 2, 2011

By: Marc Aubin, Highway and Border Policy

Cross-Border Passenger Bus Services Study

AGENDA

Origin of study Concerns raised Study overview Challenges Opportunities Next Steps

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CONCERNS RAISED

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

• Efficient, Clean, Safe & Secure:• Reducing congestion at border crossings• Reducing congestion on highway network• Economy: tourism, bus industry success• Encouraging alternatives to personal-car travel

• Reduces pollution

• Ensuring a secure border while facilitating trade and movement of people

• Good relations with the United States

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ANNUAL TWO-WAY PASSENGER COUNTS

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Car

Truck

Air

Bus BoatOther Rail

Source: Statistics Canada, International Travel Survey unpublished data

a. Car: 67%

b. Truck: 14%

c. Air: 14%

d. Bus: 2%

e. Boat: 2%

f. Other: 1%

g. Rail: 0%

Total Travellers: 70 million

(Canadian & U.S. travellers only)

STUDY OVERVIEW

• Steering committee• Scheduled, chartered, tour, and shuttle services• Targeted interviews (qualitative approach)

• Bus industry and port officials (14 organizations)• Highest-volume crossings (7 crossings)• Challenges and opportunities

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CHALLENGES – HIGHLIGHTS

• Road and port infrastructure• Wait times• Inflexible crossing schedules• Lack of communication• Document requirements and

declaration process• Competitive modes of

transportation

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OPPORTUNITIES – HIGHLIGHTS

• Reservation system• Pre-clearance (or pre-processing)• Alternative access lanes• Inspection policy improvements• Adapt technology• Increased engagement

POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS

• Challenges identified• Opportunities identified• Next steps to be determined

• Internally• Externally

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Thank you.

Marc Aubin, Highway and Border Policy,

Transport Canada

marc.aubin@tc.gc.ca

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