Kamloops – BC Transit is moving forward with planning for the addition of 3,000 service hours in Kamloops, following public consultation in the fall of 2016. The expansion hours are funded in partnership by the City of Kamloops, the Province of BC and BC Transit.
“BC on the Move, the Province’s 10 Year Transportation Plan, puts a focus on expanding public transit across the province, and is exemplified by the $12.7 million invested in communities across BC, including right here in Kamloops,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “We will continue to work with our local partners to determine the best way to improve transit service and increase ridership, in order to create robust transportation solutions that will contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The engagement process included in-person and online opportunities to participate, with close to 150 people providing feedback at the six open houses held in Kamloops. There were two public surveys available, including a survey for the general public that had 1,046 responses, and a specialized survey for students that garnered 88 responses.
“At the City of Kamloops, we are always working to reduce our carbon footprint so that we can become the most environmentally friendly community we can be,” said City of Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar. “These new service hours will encourage people to get on board sustainable public transit, helping us to better achieve this goal.”
Service options based on the consultation have been put forward by BC Transit for approval by City of Kamloops Council. The focus of the options for use of the 3,000 new hours includes increasing service frequency on Saturdays and Sundays.
The new changes build on the 2012 Kamloops Transit Future Plan, and other system refinements that have been implemented in 2013 and 2015.
“This expanded transit service supports Kamloops’ objective to build a more sustainable community,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Kamloops to deliver efficient and effective transit services that connect people and the community.”
The conventional Kamloops Transit System welcomes 3.4 million people on board annually, and currently provides 101,000 service hours on 13 routes.
For more information on the Kamloops Transit System, please visit bctransit.com/Kamloops or call 250-376-1216.
Media Contact:
Jonathon Dyck, BC Transit, Communications Manager
media@bctransit.com 250.995.5720
