Transit System: Cranbrook
CRANBROOK – Enjoy the Cranbrook Farmers’ Market with free transit rides every Saturday morning from June 23 to October 6, 2012. The free ride comes with a catch: each passenger must be carrying a reusable or recycled bag, be traveling to and from downtown Cranbrook and indicate to their transit driver that they are attending the Cranbrook Farmers’ Market.
The City of Cranbrook is funding the free rides for all 16 Saturday markets. The Cranbrook Farmers’ Market runs 9 am to 1 pm, but the free bus rides are from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. That gives early birds and last minute shoppers’ equal access to transit time.
Trips to and from the Cranbrook Farmers’ Market via BC Transit are for non-transferable passes only.
“We have very hard-working, creative agricultural, food and craft communities that have stepped up in recent years to put on an amazingly successful Farmers’ Market,” said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “I commend all of the participants and the City for their leadership on this great weekly event.”
“The farmers’ market is an integral part of the social fabric of Cranbrook and is key to the financial well-being of many of our small businesses, “said Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski. “By providing free bus service we are supporting the market and encouraging our citizens to make transit a regular part of their day-to-day living.”
This innovative partnership between BC Transit and the City of Cranbrook also achieves five specific goals identified in the community’s long term sustainability plan – “Connecting to our Future.”
“Increasing public transit use, encouraging use of recyclable bags and promoting business activity and free community celebrations in our downtown core are all sustainability goals that our community asked for,” says Chris Ayling, Chair of Cranbrook Connected. “Both BC Transit and the City of Cranbrook have delivered. It is an outstanding effort.”
The City of Cranbrook has a large number of reusable Cranbrook Connected bags available for pick up free of charge at City Hall during regular business hours. They will also be available at the City of Cranbrook booth at the opening day of the Farmer’s Market June 23, 2012.
“Bringing the community together and encouraging a healthy lifestyle are natural fits for BC Transit,” said Manuel Achadinha President & CEO of BC Transit. “Leave your vehicle at home and explore Downtown Cranbrook in the most convenient way, on our buses.”
For more information consult our website www.bctransit.com
Details on market can be found at www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com
Media Contact:
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
d: 250.995.5720
c: 250.507.8145
meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
www.bctransit.com
