It’s all aboard for a popular transit service.
Regional District of North Okanagan directors decided Wednesday to take over responsibility of a second bus to the University of B.C. campus in Kelowna from the City of Vernon.
“It’s a proven success,” said Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director, adding that while few residents from her community use the service, there are benefits to the region as students can access post-secondary education.
“We have to look at it as the whole.”
Presently, all RDNO members (except for BX-Silver Star and Cherryville) fund one bus to UBC. But when a second bus began in 2010, Vernon picked up the additional $120,000 a year because other communities had concerns about costs and use among their residents.
A recent ridership survey highlighted use of the service from most jurisdictions, and Vernon director Juliette Cunningham is pleased the other communities have decided to contribute financially.
“It’s one of the most subscribed services we’ve ever provided,” she said, adding that the buses assist people who work in Kelowna as well as seniors.
“Residents are using it to get to appointments in Kelowna.”
RDNO is working towards establishing a function that would fund all bus services to UBC. But because the legislative process can’t be in place until 2013, reserves and student bus pass revenue will be used to fund the second bus this year.
