Regional and local transit services are coming to Okanagan Falls.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and BC Transit announced that effective Jan. 19 the new Route #20 Okanagan Falls will offer five round trips per day to Penticton with stops in Skaha Estates and Heritage Hills. Another route will deliver five round trips a day around Okanagan Falls.
“Okanagan Falls residents wanted transit service, and the regional government and BC Transit responded,” said Linda Larson, Boundary-Similkameen MLA. “I’m pleased that the service is up and running so people have an environmentally-friendly and affordable option for travel in town, and beyond.”
From Jan. 19 to Feb. 6 all rides are free to encourage customers to get to know the transit system. The regional run ends at Penticton’s Cherry Lane Shopping Centre where trips are timed to link BC Transit passengers with Penticton Transit routes 3, 4 and 5. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 6:41 a.m. to 6:22 p.m. When the free rides end on Feb. 6 cash fares are $2.25 for adults and $1.75 for students. Customers are encouraged to purchase cost-saving, pre-paid fare products at the RDOS office at 101 Martin St., Penticton. Ticket bundles of 10 are $20.25 for adults and $15.75 for students. Monthly passes are $61 for adults and $42 for students.
A new Route #21 Okanagan Falls local will cover popular community destinations including the Okanagan Falls Seniors Centre, Okanagan Falls Regional Library, Christie Park and the local grocery store. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 7:09 a.m. to 5:52 p.m. When the free rides end on Feb. 6; cash fares are $1.50 for adults and $1.25 for students. Ticket bundles of 10 are $13 for adults and $11.25 for students. Monthly passes are $41 for adults and $34 for students.
“The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is committed to helping build sustainable communities which meet the needs of people and businesses throughout the region,” said RDOS chair Mark Pendergraft. “The implementation of this new transit service will contribute to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the region by providing affordable transportation that connects people to work, school and regional services.”
BC Transit president and CEO Manuel Achadinha said along with their partners, the RDOS, they are proud to introduce this “new and vital service,” to Okanagan Falls residents.
“Our goal is to connect people and communities by providing an efficient and effective transit system.” said Achadinha.
For more information on routes and schedules please consult www.bctransit.com/penticton.