The City of Kelowna and BC Transit, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, are pleased to announce the completion of upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange.
The improvements help facilitate ongoing network and service changes in the Rutland area and support future service expansions – helping customers gain better access to schools, employment, services, community centres and parks. Upgrades to the exchange, located on Shepherd Road between Asher Road and Roxby Road, include:
- Two concrete bus bays with new shelters with bench seating;
- Dedicated transit park and ride lot;
- Pick up and drop off area;
- Electronic access bike lockers;
- Paved sidewalks, crosswalks and pavement markings;
- An operator washroom facility;
- Street lighting and underground servicing; and
- Planting of 14 new trees.
The project achieved SAFE (Security Achieved through Functional Environmental) design certification, an approach that reduces the risk of crime and enhances public safety.
The City of Kelowna is also advancing the installation of 6 electric vehicle charging stations to the park and ride lot that are expected to be installed in March.
The Rutland Exchange is part of the broader Kelowna Exchanges program developed in partnership between BC Transit and the City of Kelowna to support transit in the Kelowna Regional Transit System. Funding partners for the $9.2 million exchange program include the Government of Canada, through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Province of British Columbia and the City of Kelowna.
These investments provide significant transit upgrades that will support the city in providing safe, efficient, and reliable transit services in the future. Other exchanges slated to receive upgrades through this funding include the Mission Recreation Transit Exchange and the Okanagan College Transit Exchange, both scheduled to get underway later this year.
For more information about the Kelowna Regional Transit System, visit: Welcome to Kelowna
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
QUOTES:
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defense Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
“We are proud to see the completion of these vital upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange. Investments like this strengthen public transit infrastructure, making it safer, more accessible, and better equipped to meet the growing needs of the community. These enhancements will help connect residents to schools, jobs, and services, ensuring reliable transit for years to come.”
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit
“Investing in public transit infrastructure is more than buses and shelters, it’s about connecting people to the places they need to go safely and efficiently. The completion of upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange will make it easier for residents to access schools, jobs and services in the community while supporting Kelowna’s growth. These improvements reflect our commitment to building vibrant, connected communities throughout British Columbia”
Mayor Tom Dyas, City of Kelowna
“Reliable public transit is essential to a growing city like Kelowna. The upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for riders, while supporting more frequent and reliable service that better connects Rutland to the rest of our community. This project reflects the importance of building transit infrastructure that people feel safe using, and it demonstrates what can be achieved when the City, BC Transit, and our provincial and federal partners work together to deliver practical improvements that residents can see and use every day.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit
“Transit plays a vital role in everyday life, helping people stay connected to their work, education, community, and essential services. Improvements to the Rutland Transit Exchange, such as new shelters and dedicated park-and-ride spots, are already making transit trips more efficient for our customers—making transit easier to use today while better positioning the Kelowna Regional Transit System to meet the future public transportation needs of its rapidly growing community. Thank you to our funding partners and to everyone who contributed to this project.”
