BC Transit expansion in Vernon will give more options and better service to riders

Summary

  • Starting January 4th, BC Transit, the B.C. government, and local partners are expanding transit in Vernon with increased frequency, extended hours, and additional annual service hours.
  • Increased service for handyDART with additional service on Sundays and select holidays.

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VERNON – People using transit in Vernon will see more transit options with increased frequency and extended hours of service along several routes.

“People in Vernon will soon have more convenient and reliable transit options with increased frequency and extended hours on several routes in our community,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “As a mom, health care provider, and community member I know how these improvements, including expanded handyDART service, will make it easier for residents to get to work, school, and appointments and will help people connect across Vernon.”

To support increasing ridership and convenient transit service for people throughout the province, BC Transit and the B.C. government are partnering with the City of Vernon and the District of Coldstream to expand services with additional annual service hours. This builds on the work done in communities throughout B.C. to provide improved transit services and connect communities.

All routes (Routes 1-9) will see schedule changes to improve reliability beginning January 4th, and riders will benefit from the following changes:

  •  Route 3 North End / Downtown: Additional trips and improved frequency on weekdays
  •  Route 5 South Vernon: Trip times adjusted to meet school bell times
  •  Route 7 OK Landing: Minor route and schedule changes

Along with those changes to the regular routes, handyDART service will be expanded, with service running from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays and select statutory holidays.

The Ministry’s ongoing support for BC Transit ensures people outside Metro Vancouver continue to have access to the transit services they need. Since 2017, the Ministry has increased the provincial operating grant to BC Transit by approximately 70 per cent supporting transit service levels across the province and continuing to implement transit expansion that will benefit people throughout B.C.