BC Transit, the City of Kelowna, and City of West Kelowna are advising riders upcoming service expansion in the Kelowna Regional Transit System, effective Jan 4, 2026.
The expansion will improve access to transit across the community, increase service levels on key routes, and expand OnDemand coverage. This includes the Rutland Network Restructure, Mission Network Restructure, OnDemand expansion, Route 97 Expansion, and handyDART service on Sundays.
Route 98 Rutland/UBCO improvements and Rutland Network Restructure
- Weekday service on Route 98 Rutland/UBCO will increase during peak periods and now feature extended evening service hours. Weekend service frequency will also increase during the day.
- The improvements being made to Route 98 Rutland/UBCO enable adjustments to Routes 10, 11 and 14, which will allow these routes to better serve riders. Coverage is being maintained, and riders are encouraged to consult BC Transit’s rider’s guide to ensure they are using the optimal route to access the Rutland Exchange and other destinations.
- To accommodate these changes, service is being reduced slightly on Route 8 University/College.
Mission Network Restructure
- As part of the Mission Network Restructure, a new route, Route 16 Mission, has been created to serve the entire Mission area. This route will serve areas previously covered by Route 16 Kettle Valley and Route 17 Southridge. Both routes will be discontinued.
- An extension ofRoute 5 Gordon will provide service along Gordon Drive and Lakeshore Road between the Mission Rec Exchange and McClure Road. This new route segment will operate on targeted trips to align with school bell time and the end of the service day.
OnDemand Expansion
- As a compliment to the Mission Network Restructure,and following successful implementation of the service in the Crawford neighbourhood, BC Transit’s OnDemand service will now be available to riders in Lower Mission supporting the route 5 extension.
Riders will be able to request pickup through the BC Transit App or by phone. For more information please visit: OnDemand – BC Transit
Route 97 – Okanagan Additional Trips
- There will be additional trips daily on Route 97 Okanagan between Queensway Exchange in downtown Kelowna and the Westbank Exchange in West Kelowna.
handyDART now Available Sundays
- handyDART hours are expanding, with new Sunday service from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
To reflect a new semester, minor adjustments are being made on routes that serve schools. For all the changes, please see the latest Rider’s Guide.
This service expansion in the Kelowna Transit System has been made possible by an increase in local government and provincial funding. The grant provided in the 2025-26 Provincial Budget allows BC Transit and its local government partners to continue to provide safe and reliable service and demonstrates that public transit remains a priority in our communities.
For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/kelowna
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
