Vernon Regional Transit Service hopes to start expanding its service area and increase the frequency of stops on existing routes by the new year. During Monday's city council meeting, B.C. Transit presented a report suggesting VRTS make several improvements over a three-phase, four-year plan. After conducting passenger surveys, an open house, passenger counts and consultations with partners, the VRTS report indicates there's a need for more frequent service, a longer service day, possible evening services and service to outlying areas such as Silver Star Mountain and UBC Okanagan.
Right now the VRTS has seven routes that run hourly, except the Alexis Park route, which runs every half hour. Almost 1,000 people ride the bus on weekdays, with nearly 265,000 passengers annually. Myrna Moore, of B.C. Transit, said it's a well-used service, but there's a demand for more convenient, reliable service and service to growth areas that can't be met without additional resources. "It's pretty much at its peak to expand without being able to extend hours increase the number of vehicles." The short-range plan, which would take effect within one to two years, includes a new Friday night service to Armstrong and expanding to Silver Star Mountain and Silver Star Foothills. It would also bring buses around every 30 minutes, rather than every hour. Bus frequency would also increase to every 30 minutes during peak times for service to Pleasant Valley, Okanagan Landing, Mission Hill, Vernon Hospital and Okanagan College.
To do all that, the VRTS needs at least two more vehicles. Moore also added that within two years the VRTS will need a new transit exchange area and garage. Some of the medium-range plans, which would start in two to three years include evening service, expanding daily schedule hours and service to the Paddlewheel Park, South Beach and East Vernon areas. Within four years, the VRTS could be increasing its frequency to and from Coldstream and other outlying areas as well as using a full-size bus for some regional services. Councillors were receptive to the report's plans. Coun. Pat Cochrane said it's unfortunate some of the changes are not taking place already. "Hopefully we can get on with expansions as soon as possible." In a future meeting council will vote on approving the short-range service plan for implementation in December 2007.
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