HAY RIVER - Greyhound Canada's review of operations in Western Canada, including to the NWT, might conclude with the elimination of routes.

A Greyhound bus sits in its usual overnight parking spot next to a Hay River hotel. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The iconic bus service has already announced plans to end service in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, where it has been forced by government regulations in the South to service money-losing routes to smaller communities.

"This is entirely about passenger bus service," said Karen Gordon, a spokesperson for Greyhound Canada in Toronto.

Gordon said any changes would not affect freight services, explaining freight would be distributed to rural areas through trucks and vans.

Colleen Gagnier, a co-owner of Frontier Coachlines (NWT) Ltd. in Hay River, is very concerned about the possibility Greyhound might cut back or end its service to Enterprise and Hay River, which are its only two stops in the NWT.

"It would affect us quite a bit," she said, adding it could lead to cuts in service for Frontier Coachlines.

Greyhound passengers arriving in Enterprise and Hay River can then take Frontier Coachlines buses east to Fort Smith or further north to Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Behchoko or Yellowknife.

Gagnier said about 20 passengers a day were arriving on Greyhound about six months ago, but that number has fallen to roughly five a day.

She said the reduction has been caused by the recession and Yellowknife's increased airline competition, which has resulted in lower flight fares.

Many of the bus passengers are seniors, students, tourists or people on medical travel.

Gagnier said she doubts Greyhound would continue freight service to the NWT without carrying passengers, but she would be happy if that's the case.

"I'd be glad if they're keeping the freight," she said. "That would help."

Currently, a Greyhound bus arrives in Hay River from Edmonton six days a week, except Sunday, and departs every day, except Monday.

It is unclear when the review including the NWT will be concluded.

"We do not have timelines on that," said Gordon.

Earlier this month, the company announced it will be ceasing operations in Manitoba in early October and northwestern Ontario in early December.

Gagnier said Frontier Coachlines has no plans to expand its service to the south if Greyhound ends it service to the NWT.

"I think if Greyhound can't make it, we wouldn't," she said.

In a news release, Greyhound Canada's senior vice-president Stuart Kendrick said the company has repeatedly asked federal and provincial governments to change legislation and regulations governing intercity bus operations.

"Our financial situation is dire and we are no longer in a position to absorb losses that are almost solely attributable to government policies," he said.

Greyhound is seeking $15 million in government aid to cover its losses while the situation is worked out.

Along with the NWT, the company is reviewing its operations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Yukon.