Transit System: Elk Valley
ELK VALLEY – The Regional District of East Kootenay and BC Transit
are delighted to announce transit ridership in Elk Valley is on the rise –
up 19.9% over last year. In its recently published annual report, BC Transit
recorded 9,440 passenger trips in 2012/13 compared to 7,876 in 2011/12.
A strong surge in the number of students relying on transit for their school
commute combined with a larger demand for the Health Connections service to
Cranbrook helped drive the growth in transit customers in Elk Valley.
“We are pleased to see a growing number of customers in the Elk Valley
region are taking advantage of the transit service,” said BC Transit President
and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “The increase in passenger trips is a validation
of our continued efforts to make public transit efficient and effective for
all.”
“The RDEK recognizes the importance of connecting residents in the Elk
Valley – whether it’s to work, school, community amenities, or medical
appointments. We are very pleased with this increase in ridership and hope to
see this trend continue,” says RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay.
The Province, including funding from the Interior Health Authority, contributes
nearly $200,000 annually which represents approximately 65% of the cost of transit
services in the Elk Valley Transit System.
“Transportation can sometimes be a challenging issue for small communities,”
said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “The uptake in this transit service
shows it is playing a significant role in helping Elk Valley residents where
they need to be, in an efficient and environmentally-friendly way.”
For more information on routes and schedules please call 1.855.417.4636 or
consult www.bctransit.com/regions/elk/
Media Contact:
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
250.995.5720
meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
