Summerland residents to enjoy free transit in new BC Transit pilot

Credit: BC Transit

BC Transit and the District of Summerland have announced that they have recently launched a pilot project that will provide free transit on route 30 Summerland/Penticton exclusively for Summerland residents as of April 2023.

As part of the pilot, Summerland inhabitants who board route 30 must show an identification document that exhibits their Summerland address, or a student ID for those between 13 to 18 years old, in order to gain access to the complimentary transit service. However, BC Transit has stated that fares will still be imposed on other routes that link with the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System.

This pilot project has a duration of one year and is slated to end on 22 April 2024. The new initiative is intended to encourage Summerland residents to make use of the local public transit system, as well as to reduce single-passenger vehicles on the road.

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“Free bus fare will keep money in people’s pockets and ensure essential services remain accessible,” Mayor Doug Holmes said. “It reinforces the principle that mobility is a right and that transit is a public good benefiting all of society.”

Councillor Erin Trainer said that the purpose of the project is to encourage people to use the transit service: “The goal is to get more people riding the bus. It’s not just about the money, it’s about the environment.”

The District of Summerland and BC Transit plan to evaluate the results of the pilot project to determine the feasibility of implementing similar initiatives in other communities across British Columbia.