OnDemand transit service is launching in the Crawford neighbourhood in less than two weeks.
The first-of-its-kind service has been in the works for over a year.
The City of Kelowna began exploring options to improve transit service in the neighbourhood in early 2023 and by October BC Transit announced that a contract had been awarded to VIA Mobility to develop an app or phone-in option so residents in the area could book a bus trip.
“This new innovative service, which will improve mobility and sustainability in our community, is the first of its kind in the Province, and we are thrilled to launch it here in Kelowna,” says Mayor Tom Dyas in a statement.
“This proactive and cooperative initiative is yet another tool to bring us one step closer in achieving Council’s priorities around Transportation and Climate and Environment by offering more accessible, efficient and climate friendly transportation options.”
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Starting on April 28, BC Transit will begin offering a hybrid transit service which will see fixed-route service during peak hours and OnDemand during all other times.
The new service will see buses dispatched on a request basis to a designated pick-up location near the customers.
“All ride requests will begin and end within the Crawford area which also includes service to Canyon Falls Middle School, or to and from the Mission Rec Transit Exchange where passengers can connect to the wider public transportation network or spend time at the recreation centre,” says a news release from BC Transit.
Fixed-route service, which follows a daily schedule, will be available on route 15 twice a day Monday through Friday between 8-8:309 amd and 3:30-4 pm.
The news release says the OnDemand transit will be available Monday through Friday during these times:
7-8 am
8:30 am to 3:30 pm
4-7 pm
And on weekends/holidays from 8 am to 6 pm
BC Transit says if the program is successful the service could expand to other locations and communities around the province.
For more information on how to book a trip and where to find the apps, feel free to visit this link.
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