Central Okanagan transit routes are set to undergo changes as students return to school in the upcoming weeks. The changes, which will take effect on September 7, aim to accommodate the increased demand for public transportation as students resume in-person learning.
According to BC Transit, the changes will primarily affect routes serving schools and post-secondary institutions in the Central Okanagan region. These routes will see an increase in frequency and capacity to ensure students can safely and efficiently travel to and from their educational institutions.
One of the major changes is the addition of a new route, Route 17, which will connect the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus to the Rutland Exchange. This route will operate every 30 minutes during peak hours and every hour during off-peak hours.
In addition, Route 8, which serves Okanagan College and UBCO, will see an increase in frequency during peak hours, with buses running every 15 minutes instead of the current 30-minute interval. This change aims to reduce overcrowding and improve the overall transit experience for students.
Other routes that will see changes include Route 23, which will now serve the Kelowna Secondary School and Okanagan Mission Secondary School, and Route 97, which will have additional trips during peak hours to accommodate the increased demand from students.
BC Transit has also announced that all buses will continue to operate at full capacity, with mandatory mask-wearing for all passengers. Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols will also remain in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers.
These changes come as a response to the expected increase in ridership as students return to in-person learning. BC Transit is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation option for students and the community as a whole.
For more information on the changes to Central Okanagan transit routes, passengers can visit the BC Transit website or contact their customer service team. With these changes in place, students can look forward to a smooth and efficient commute to and from school.
