BC Transit is notifying its riders that ATU Local 1722 operating under First Transit has indicated increasing job action and will cease service in the Kelowna Regional Transit System as of the start of the service day at 5:28 am tomorrow, October 5, 2022.
handyDART service for customers requiring transportation to renal dialysis, cancer treatment, multiple sclerosis and other specialist appointments has been deemed essential and will continue to operate during this service disruption. All other pre-booked trips will be notified of cancellation.
ATU 1722 job action will also not impact service on the Route 90 UBCO/Vernon from the Vernon Regional Transit System, or the Route 70 Penticton/Kelowna from the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System, which will run regular service. We will keep customers updated if anything changes through customer alerts at bctransit.com/vernon and bctransit.com/south-okanagan-similkameen.
Transit passes will be refunded by the City of Kelowna on a pro-rated basis, for any service disruption over three days in length. Refunds will be available, with proof of purchase, including an original Monthly Pass, at Kelowna City Hall once strike action is ended.
BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and sincerely apologizes to customers for the inconvenience caused by this matter. We understand the frustration felt by customers, and that the job action is difficult for everyone involved in the region.
BC Transit is the Provincial Crown Agency responsible for the delivery of transit services outside of Greater Vancouver. We contract the services of private operating companies to deliver these transit services. These companies hire and manage their own workforces.
The labour dispute is between BC Transit’s contractor – First Transit – and their unionized employees. BC Transit will update customers as more information becomes available. We encourage customers to sign up to receive alerts at bctransit.com/kelowna. Customers may also follow @BCTransit on Twitter for updates.
