Transit route may be cut

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 03, 2013 1:00 AM
There could be fewer opportunities to get to Kelowna this summer.  The Regional District of North Okanagan board today will consider reducing the number of transit trips to the University of B.C. from 10 to four a day from April 29 to Aug. 30. Director Rob Sawatzky says there is no choice but to  cut service when classes are not in session so there are more trips during the fall and winter to address students’ needs. “Because the budget was done when the problem (over-crowding) was identified, the only way to add trips was to find the money within the budget,” he said. “It (trimming summer service) allows us to add extra trips. It makes sense.” However, Sawatzky admits that going from 10 to four trips per day will have a negative impact on residents who use the bus to go to Kelowna for shopping, medical appointments or to work. “It’s the accommodation we had to make at the time.” If approved, the departure schedules from Vernon that will be cut from April 29 to Aug. 30 will include 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sawatzky says reducing summer trips is only a temporary measure and options, such as a third bus, to deal with overcrowding during the winter will have to be considered. “We will have a discussion in the fall about the best long-term plan,” he said.