An initiative that keeps the financially challenged mobile is getting an infusion of support.
The Regional District will provide 430 transit passes to the United Way’s emergency transportation assistance program after the previous round of passes ended. Staff have also been asked to present the board with a long-term option for assisting the effort.
“This buys two months and we will have a policy for September. It saves a valuable service at the moment,” said Patrick Nicol, chairperson.
United Way provides the passes to non-profit agencies who then pass them on to clients who use transit to get to government offices, the doctor’s office or to a job they just started.
““The price of bus fare is an obstacle for people attending programs or attending medical appointments,” said Linda Yule, United Way executive director.
Among the agencies involved are the Armstrong Boys and Girls Club, the Enderby Community Resource Centre, the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, Transition House, the Upper Room Mission and the prenatal program.
Among the users are disabled residents.
“Many have to go to Kelowna to see a specialist and a bus ticket gets them there,” said Yule.
“It’s not taking away revenue (from the transit system). These people don’t have money for a bus ticket.”
While RDNO must consider how it provides bus tickets long-term, some board members are vowing support.
“It’s a really good use of the transit system. I can’t imagine not letting someone on the bus,” said director Kevin Acton.
