Double-decker eyed for busy university route

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 24, 2008

A touch of Old England could be one solution for a busy bus route. The new transit link between the North Okanagan and the University of B.C.’s Kelowna campus is generally full, and one option being considered to expand capacity is to put a double-decker bus on the road. “It could be an interim solution before we look at a second bus,” said Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman. But one stumbling block could be fuelling facilities unable to handle a vehicle of that size. The route to Kelowna began in mid-August and really picked up in September when university classes began. “Ridership has far exceeded the expansion of any other transit program in the province,” said Maggie Knox, NORD’s manager of community services. The first bus of the day arrives at UBC at 8:11 a.m., just in time for the majority of classes, which begin at 8:30 a.m. However, that means students who have 8 a.m. start-times must find other ways to get to UBC

It’s been suggested that the bus schedule be changed so it arrives at UBC before 8 a.m., but Knox says that wouldn’t work. “The 8:30 a.m. bus is full so if we add everyone for 8 a.m. classes, we couldn’t get everyone on the bus,” she said. There are about 60 passengers on the bus to UBC every morning. While there has been some talk about adding a second bus to the route, budget discussions would be required between NORD’s participating communities and B.C. Transit. As part of that process, NORD needs to get a sense of why people are taking the bus to Kelowna. So an onboard survey will likely be done in November. “We want to find out where people reside and where they are going,” said Knox. “The survey will tell us their purpose for travelling, whether it is going to work or school.”