Why a Strategic Plan?
In January 2008, the Provincial Government set a very ambitious goal for BC Transit -- double transit ridership by 2020.
This goal brings real potential to contribute to stronger, more sustainable communities. It also requires that BC Transit rapidly reassess how we plan, invest in, and promote public transportation throughout the province.
At the same time, we know that our world is in transition.
The changes around us bring opportunities to engage citizens, attract new customers and build diverse partnerships.
We also know that the next 20 years will bring some real challenges, including a shifting climate, an aging population, and a significantly more unpredictable energy and economic picture.
A strategic plan:
- Is an opportunity to take stock of our current organization and its services
- Builds our internal ability to adapt to unforeseen future challenges
- Allows us to prioritize and focus our efforts
Helpful Definitions
Strategic Plan - creates a roadmap for an organization's future by answering four key questions:
- Where are we now?
- Where do we want to be in the future?
- How will we get there?
- How do we measure our progress?
In addition to outlining goals and strategies, a strategic plan confirms an organization's vision, mission, and values.
Vision - a sentence that describes what an organization will look like in the future -- "What do we want to be when we grow up?"
Mission - describes why an organization exists - "What do we do, who do we do it for, and how do we excel?"
Values - describes the set of standards, beliefs, and attitudes that an organization will hold to as it moves forward.
- Adapted from Wikipedia.org
BC Transit's Corporate Strategic Plan:
Project Fast Facts
Project Purpose
To evaluate BC Transit's current organization, create a vision for what public transportation in BC should look like in the future, and determine what strategies and priorities need to be in place to make that future happen.
Who's Involved
Everyone. Since transportation is such a crucial part of our communities and our future, we want as many people as possible to participate. In particular we want to hear from:
- Our current and future customers
- Our current and future co-workers at BC Transit
- Operating company staff who make transit possible in over 50 communities outside of Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver
- Elected officials and local government staff who are our community transit partners
- Our provincial government colleagues
- Our partner health authorities
- Employers, stakeholders, and community leaders everywhere
Project Timeline
| Project Phase / Approval Targets | Timeline |
| BC Transit Employee Workshops and Open Houses | April 28 - May 5, 2009 |
| Local Government and Operating Company Workshops and Open House | May 7-8, 2009 (BC Transit Conference) |
| Local Government Dialogue | April 28 - May 17, 2009 (TBA) |
| On-line Interactive Survey for employees, partners, and public | April 28 - May 17, 2009 |
| Data Analysis & Draft Plan Development | May - July 2009 |
| Presentation of preliminary results to BC Transit Board | July 2009 |
| Draft plan development | August – October 2009 |
| Proposed consultation with stakeholders regarding draft plan | November 2009 - January 2010 |
| Strategic Plan finalized and launched | Spring 2010 |