Come September, Prince Rupert Airport (YPR) passengers will be sheltered from the rain while they wait for the airport bus or their luggage to arrive.
Through a Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Corporation initiative, a new shuttle centre will open Monday, Sept. 8 in the former Greyhound station on Sixth Street.
For a number of years, Prince Rupert Airport users have gathered outside of the Highliner Inn for shuttle service.
"It's essentially been a curb side pick up and drop off in which you're picking up your bags in poor weather," Prince Rupert and Port Edward economic development officer Paul Vendittelli said, noting complaints provoked the change.
Vendittelli said the most common complaints passengers have had about YPR is the pickup and drop off site, and the condition of the shuttle buses.
"People don't mind that they have to take the ferry over, it's the quality of service of that product that we're trying to rebrand and make better," he said.
"Especially from the economic development side because as companies and people come in and want to do business here, it is really an Achilles heel [for passengers to get picked up and dropped off outside in the rain]."
The centre will be open to all YPR flyers starting Sept. 8, with the exception of Hawkair passengers as the company has chosen to remain at their current location. Vendittelli said the centre will provide a warm and dry place to wait with four televisions and Wi-Fi. The economic development corporation is also working toward getting new shuttle buses.
Air Canada Express' daily departure and arrival times will not be impacted, remaining as they are currently.
For information on the airport bus schedule, contact the Prince Rupert Digby Island airport bus information line at 250-622-2222.