Politicians are upset that they were left in the dark when transit changes didn’t proceed.
Regional District of North Okanagan directors questioned Wednesday why they had to hear from riders and not staff that revised routes for the University of B.C. transit run didn’t take place Jan. 1.
“We all left here thinking we had addressed the issue,” said director Juliette Cunningham of a November decision to add two daily runs when UBC is in session from fall to spring and cut four runs in the summer to ensure there are sufficient funds.
Director Rob Sawatzky says he didn’t become aware of the new schedule not proceeding until he was contacted by students who couldn’t get on the bus because it was full.
“We didn’t know. We weren’t informed. Isn’t there a process?” he said.
It appears the delay in implementing changes was a result of B.C. Transit being unable to revise schedules and have drivers in place for january.
“As for why we didn’t come back to the board (with information), I can’t given an answer to that,” said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator.
Sawatzky continues to have concerns about the process.
“If there was going to be a delay, we should have been told so we could inform the public,” he said.
“Everyone involved needs to know these things.”
It’s anticipated that a new 9 a.m. and noon service between Vernon and Kelowna will begin at the end of February.
