University transit on route with support

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - June 26, 2008

Vernon is on board when it comes to expanding transit to the University of B.C.’s Okanagan campus. Council agreed Monday to support extending the transit service from the North Okanagan Regional District to UBCO in Kelowna. “It’s an important service that needs to be provided,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. B.C. Transit’s goal is to have the new transit route operational Aug. 25, but approval is still required from local funding sources. Vernon would pay $7,000 for the remainder of the year so its transit routes align with the new service, while it would contribute $8,175 to the expanded function through NORD. However, Coun. Barry Beardsell was concerned that not all local jurisdictions have agreed to participate yet for the $32,700 total cost facing the regional district this year. “If everyone drops out, we’d pick up 100 per cent of the tab,” he said. “We are prepared to pay our fair share but that’s the extent of it.” But Coun. Pat Cochrane was opposed to directly linking Vernon’s financial support to the other jurisdictions being involved. "This has the potential to delay things by several months,” he said. “If we really believe in supporting this service, we should let it happen instead of nit-picking.” It’s been suggested that BX-Swan Lake and Spallumcheen may not participate.

“We can’t afford to let this service fall apart just because Spallumcheen doesn’t want to provide a couple of hundred dollars,” said Cochrane. As part of expansion to UBCO, there will also be negotiations with the District of Lake Country to possibly extend bus service to Oyama and the Berry Road transit exchange in Winfield. The provincial government has announced $164,000 so NORD can acquire two new buses for the expansion to UBCO and possibly to Silver Star in November. The City of Vernon is also getting $142,900 in new funding to supplement the cost of expanded transit service late last year. “Through supporting our public transit systems we are increasing access to affordable transportation,” said Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA. “Our government is working to better service our residents and visitors, while giving people more choices to help reduce our environmental impact.”