BARRY GERDINGFeb. 8, 2018 6:30 p.m.LOCAL NEWS Morning Star
A proposal for a one-year pilot project to offer free transit service for two cross-region bus routes to encourage more ridership has hit a roadblock. The Regional District of North Okanagan board opted to refer the issue back for further discussion after concerns were raised by several directors.
The two bus routes would be #60 route from Enderby to Vernon and #61 route from Lumby to Vernon.
Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund said he had concerns that some people might get free rides and others may not depending on where they boarded the bus.“If that is what we are talking about here, I think that raises some serious issues,” Mund said. Director Catherine Lord, who like Mund represents the City of Vernon on the board, agreed with the mayor, saying the pilot project needs more thought given to it before being implemented.The recommendation to proceed with it was forwarded to the board from the regional transit review committee.
Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton didn’t speak to the resolution at the board meeting, but stated Lumby’s position at the committee meeting, that since transit is heavily funded through taxation, his village council was supportive of consideration for a major reduction to the Route 61 fare charged to encourage increased ridership.David Sewell, chief administrative officer for RDNO, said waiving the $2.50 transit fee was intended to generate more ridership, with the cost off-set by a $335,000 transit reserve fund. He cautioned that the free ridership on routes 60 and 61 would not carry over when bus transfers are required to carry on to other jurisdictions.
Showing posts with label transit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transit. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Monday, January 29, 2018
RDNO Considers Bus Ridership Study
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Tom Mark January 29, 2018 08:11 am
The Regional District of North Okanagan may study how people are using buses in the region. RDNO Board Chair Bob Fleming says the idea came out of a meeting directors had at a transit service review meeting. “We’ll spend a little bit of money out of reserve, so this wouldn’t affect taxes, to investigate ridership. And the how has to be determined because it’s always ever a snapshot.” Fleming says it needs to be timed carefully so there are no distortions. “Usually do it in two week blocks. So you have to decide, okay, two weeks in June or May or whatever month they recommend and then trying to split it so you get a better snapshot.” Total ridership is known, but the District wants to see where people are coming from and where they are going. Fleming says another suggestion is to offer free service for a time on the Vernon to Lumby and Vernon to Enderby runs. “I don’t mean just a week or two. I mean a matter of months or even up to a year of free ridership to see if the ridership can be increased, or what effect that has on the ridership.” The idea still has to be discussed at the full board level for approval, as does the ridership survey itself. He doesn’t believe there would be much of an effect on revenue from fares since taxes pay for about 90 per cent of the service.
The Regional District of North Okanagan may study how people are using buses in the region. RDNO Board Chair Bob Fleming says the idea came out of a meeting directors had at a transit service review meeting. “We’ll spend a little bit of money out of reserve, so this wouldn’t affect taxes, to investigate ridership. And the how has to be determined because it’s always ever a snapshot.” Fleming says it needs to be timed carefully so there are no distortions. “Usually do it in two week blocks. So you have to decide, okay, two weeks in June or May or whatever month they recommend and then trying to split it so you get a better snapshot.” Total ridership is known, but the District wants to see where people are coming from and where they are going. Fleming says another suggestion is to offer free service for a time on the Vernon to Lumby and Vernon to Enderby runs. “I don’t mean just a week or two. I mean a matter of months or even up to a year of free ridership to see if the ridership can be increased, or what effect that has on the ridership.” The idea still has to be discussed at the full board level for approval, as does the ridership survey itself. He doesn’t believe there would be much of an effect on revenue from fares since taxes pay for about 90 per cent of the service.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Transit Cost Reduced For City
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Tom Mark January 25, 2018 12:15 pm
Regional District of North Okanagan directors have informally agreed to adjust the cost sharing arrangement for regional transit service. They met Wednesday for a service review at the request of the City of Armstrong, which felt it might be paying too much. Board Chair Bob Fleming says those attending agreed. “Ultimately, there was a motion approved, which is subject to board approval, that will redistribute things a little bit and take a little bit of the burden off Armstrong, and that can only happen through the cooperation of other communities that were currently paying less.” Fleming says the matter was well discussed around the table at Wednesday’s meeting. He says it’s an example of all the communities working together on a point of fairness. “And redistribute it among other members in a sort of equal fashion. So it would mean some of the smaller communities were paying just slightly more in order that Armstrong pay slightly less.” Those other communities also have to approve it through their councils. Fleming says Armstrong’s share would drop about 7 points, which will be made up through small increases to other areas.
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Present distribution costs:
Regional District of North Okanagan directors have informally agreed to adjust the cost sharing arrangement for regional transit service. They met Wednesday for a service review at the request of the City of Armstrong, which felt it might be paying too much. Board Chair Bob Fleming says those attending agreed. “Ultimately, there was a motion approved, which is subject to board approval, that will redistribute things a little bit and take a little bit of the burden off Armstrong, and that can only happen through the cooperation of other communities that were currently paying less.” Fleming says the matter was well discussed around the table at Wednesday’s meeting. He says it’s an example of all the communities working together on a point of fairness. “And redistribute it among other members in a sort of equal fashion. So it would mean some of the smaller communities were paying just slightly more in order that Armstrong pay slightly less.” Those other communities also have to approve it through their councils. Fleming says Armstrong’s share would drop about 7 points, which will be made up through small increases to other areas.
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Present distribution costs:
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
RDNO Discusses Transit Service
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Tom Mark January 24, 2018 07:56 am
Directors with the Regional District of North Okanagan will sit down this afternoon for a formal service review of the regional transit service.The meeting was called over concerns expressed by the City of Armstrong.Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper says there are large variances in who pays for the service.“We wanted to sit down and review how the funding formula is going to be divided up among all the users going forward.” Pieper says there’s no question about wanting the service, It’s just a matter of equity. “We’re not coming in with any notions of getting out of the service or anything like that. We’re just looking for equity and providing a good service going forward.” Armstrong pays about 25 per cent of the cost now.
Asked if he feels the city is getting value for its money? “Well, I think everybody’s getting value, but some people are getting a lot more value for a lot less money. I think when a service such as transit goes through your community there’s a benefit to everybody in the community.” Previous formulas were based on ridership. Pieper says he’s not demanding a a lesser fee for Armstrong, just a fair look at who pays what.
He says there may be some other issues discussed as well, but he expects a positive review.The meeting is being billed as preliminary with the purpose of reviewing the terms and conditions of the service and establishing a negotiation process for addressing the issues raised.
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http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2017_FP_Presentation_to_CoW.pdf
Asked if he feels the city is getting value for its money? “Well, I think everybody’s getting value, but some people are getting a lot more value for a lot less money. I think when a service such as transit goes through your community there’s a benefit to everybody in the community.” Previous formulas were based on ridership. Pieper says he’s not demanding a a lesser fee for Armstrong, just a fair look at who pays what.
He says there may be some other issues discussed as well, but he expects a positive review.The meeting is being billed as preliminary with the purpose of reviewing the terms and conditions of the service and establishing a negotiation process for addressing the issues raised.
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http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2017_FP_Presentation_to_CoW.pdf
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Another try for mall bus
By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Nov 27, 2017 / 7:40 pm
Efforts will be made to get a bus stop back onsite at the Village Green mall at the north end of Vernon. City council on Monday approved a major expansion of the BC Transit service, including the addition of 7,000 annual service hours and a new north-south route that would run through town every 15 minutes during peak periods. There will also be more HandyDart service. The changes are expected to take effect in April 2018 at a cost of $314,277 for the first nine months. The money will be taken from reserves. Council has also asked city and transit staff to approach the owner of the mall, Bentall Kennedy, to see if the issue of an onsite bus stop can be resolved. “It's just not conducive to people using it that have mobility challenges or those with all their kids,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who made the motion. “Last winter, I saw a woman get stuck in her wheelchair in the snow. It's just crazy.” Cunningham is hopeful new negotiations will work, although they failed a year ago, or a bus stop will have to be chosen along 48th Avenue which is the current situation. Council also heard from Okanagan Landing resident James Kanester who requested a return to 35 minute service in his area of Heritage Drive and Allenby Way, near Bella Vista Road. Council liked his argument to reroute the number 8 bus, which travels Bella Vista, to pick up passengers at an Allenby Way stop. They voted in favour of that action. Council has also asked BC Transit to take a look at routes 7 and 8 to see if 35 minute service can be provided to the area. Meanwhile, council's financial watchdog Bob Spiers questioned the big increase in costs to bussing. He said the annual transit bill, including the HandyDart, will increase 30 per cent to $1.365 million. “I know we've found a way of using the reserves, which should be done but I don't see an increase in revenue as we were promised,” Spiers said. He pointed out that taxpayers would be footing the whole bill once reserves run out in a few years time.
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https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/financial/annual_reports/2018-2022_proposed_financial_plan_0.pdf
Efforts will be made to get a bus stop back onsite at the Village Green mall at the north end of Vernon. City council on Monday approved a major expansion of the BC Transit service, including the addition of 7,000 annual service hours and a new north-south route that would run through town every 15 minutes during peak periods. There will also be more HandyDart service. The changes are expected to take effect in April 2018 at a cost of $314,277 for the first nine months. The money will be taken from reserves. Council has also asked city and transit staff to approach the owner of the mall, Bentall Kennedy, to see if the issue of an onsite bus stop can be resolved. “It's just not conducive to people using it that have mobility challenges or those with all their kids,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who made the motion. “Last winter, I saw a woman get stuck in her wheelchair in the snow. It's just crazy.” Cunningham is hopeful new negotiations will work, although they failed a year ago, or a bus stop will have to be chosen along 48th Avenue which is the current situation. Council also heard from Okanagan Landing resident James Kanester who requested a return to 35 minute service in his area of Heritage Drive and Allenby Way, near Bella Vista Road. Council liked his argument to reroute the number 8 bus, which travels Bella Vista, to pick up passengers at an Allenby Way stop. They voted in favour of that action. Council has also asked BC Transit to take a look at routes 7 and 8 to see if 35 minute service can be provided to the area. Meanwhile, council's financial watchdog Bob Spiers questioned the big increase in costs to bussing. He said the annual transit bill, including the HandyDart, will increase 30 per cent to $1.365 million. “I know we've found a way of using the reserves, which should be done but I don't see an increase in revenue as we were promised,” Spiers said. He pointed out that taxpayers would be footing the whole bill once reserves run out in a few years time.
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https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/financial/annual_reports/2018-2022_proposed_financial_plan_0.pdf
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| P 111 of 2018 budget |
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| P450 note transit increase of $419,036 Annually |
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| P 109 of 2018 budget ========================================== |
Monday, November 06, 2017
City rethinks bus changes
by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Nov 6, 2017 / 5:00 am
The City of Vernon will likely not be moving forward with all of its planned changes to bus routes next year, following public consultations. A city spokesperson said members of the public “were concerned about the proposed changes to routes 7 and 8.” Those routes cover Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista. Staff are expected to recommend to city council this month that the changes be delayed until at least 2019 due to the public's concerns, according to Ellen Morrison, a transportation engineer-in-training with the city. “As a result, BC Transit and the City of Vernon are recommending not to pursue changes to routes 7 and 8 in this round of service changes,” Morrison said in an email. “While BC Transit and the City of Vernon do acknowledge that there are opportunities to improve both of these routes, the public's concerns could be more thoroughly addressed as part of future transit expansions planned in the next two fiscal years.” However, Morrison said there was strong support for a new north-south route between the Village Green Mall and the downtown. Morrison said recommendations would be presented ito council at its Nov. 27th meeting. Meanwhile, a BC Transit official said the company was still working with the City of Vernon to improve transit service in the area with significant expansion hours starting March, 2018. "A service change plan summarizing all the final details will be made available to the public by the end of November," said the official.
Friday, September 15, 2017
City Of Vernon Considers Transit Improvements
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyre September 06, 2017 05:44 am
Public input will be the next step for proposed improvements to Vernon’s transit system. The city is looking at adding three new buses, and 7-thousand more hours of service by next March. Councillor Scott Anderson says he doesn’t want to keep investing money into transit, to try and make it successful. “But if we can be shown that it’s actually having an effect, that people are actually starting to take the bus, or increasing their use of the bus, then I am in favour ot it,” Anderson tells Kiss FM. Councillor Brian Quiring says reconfiguring some of the routes would make them more efficient. “That might actually enough , but if it proves out that we need to bolster some of the routes with additional time, then we’ll add the hours,’ says Quiring. Councillor Bob Spiers is concerned about the city’s share of the extra costs — over 419-thousand dollars — which he says would increase the budget by 1.5 percent.“It’s a heck of an increase,” stated Spiers. Under an agreement with BC Transit, the City would pay 52% of the $810,000 cost.The City will get input from the public at consultation stations at the downtown bus exchange, the Schubert Centre and Walmart. and through an online survey Sept. 22 to Oct. 6.
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Also See: https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-205859-2-.htm#205859
2017 Budget: $1,365,000 Conventional & $367,366 Handi-Dart
ADMINISTRATION UPDATES - SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 PAGE 40
Transit Reserve
By the end of 2017 there will be $760,230 in the Transit Reserve. Administration will be presenting a report to Council in November regarding the financial implications of the planned 2018 Transit Service Expansion and Changes including a summary of the public engagement. This report will include recommendations to draw on this reserve in 2018, 2019and 2020 to partially fund the planned transit service expansions.
Public input will be the next step for proposed improvements to Vernon’s transit system. The city is looking at adding three new buses, and 7-thousand more hours of service by next March. Councillor Scott Anderson says he doesn’t want to keep investing money into transit, to try and make it successful. “But if we can be shown that it’s actually having an effect, that people are actually starting to take the bus, or increasing their use of the bus, then I am in favour ot it,” Anderson tells Kiss FM. Councillor Brian Quiring says reconfiguring some of the routes would make them more efficient. “That might actually enough , but if it proves out that we need to bolster some of the routes with additional time, then we’ll add the hours,’ says Quiring. Councillor Bob Spiers is concerned about the city’s share of the extra costs — over 419-thousand dollars — which he says would increase the budget by 1.5 percent.“It’s a heck of an increase,” stated Spiers. Under an agreement with BC Transit, the City would pay 52% of the $810,000 cost.The City will get input from the public at consultation stations at the downtown bus exchange, the Schubert Centre and Walmart. and through an online survey Sept. 22 to Oct. 6.
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Also See: https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-205859-2-.htm#205859
2017 Budget: $1,365,000 Conventional & $367,366 Handi-Dart
ADMINISTRATION UPDATES - SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 PAGE 40
Transit Reserve
By the end of 2017 there will be $760,230 in the Transit Reserve. Administration will be presenting a report to Council in November regarding the financial implications of the planned 2018 Transit Service Expansion and Changes including a summary of the public engagement. This report will include recommendations to draw on this reserve in 2018, 2019and 2020 to partially fund the planned transit service expansions.
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Mall Responds To Safety Concerns
Posted on 11/30/2016 5:05 PM by Pete McIntyre
The issue over bus stops near the Village Green Centre may not be over. Earlier this week. BC Transit said a land swap deal allowing for construction of a bus pullout on 48th Avenue fell through, meaning the temporary bus stops on 48th would become permanent. In a statement issued by the mall's management firm Bentall Kennedy, General Manager Scott Adam says they understand the concerns of the community. "Since safety concerns caused the bus stop to be moved last February, we have been working diligently with all parties involved to come to a permanent solution," says Adam. He says they intend to have further talks with Transit and the City on potential solutions to address the needs of their tenants and customers. The bus stop had earlier been near the mall's west entrance, but was moved to the road for what were called safety reasons.
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also see: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/403832246.html
The issue over bus stops near the Village Green Centre may not be over. Earlier this week. BC Transit said a land swap deal allowing for construction of a bus pullout on 48th Avenue fell through, meaning the temporary bus stops on 48th would become permanent. In a statement issued by the mall's management firm Bentall Kennedy, General Manager Scott Adam says they understand the concerns of the community. "Since safety concerns caused the bus stop to be moved last February, we have been working diligently with all parties involved to come to a permanent solution," says Adam. He says they intend to have further talks with Transit and the City on potential solutions to address the needs of their tenants and customers. The bus stop had earlier been near the mall's west entrance, but was moved to the road for what were called safety reasons.
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also see: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/403832246.html
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Temporary Bus Stop To Remain
Posted on 11/28/2016 8:00 PM by Pete McIntyre 17.5 KISSFM
Talks between the City of Vernon, BC Transit,and the Village Green Centre have failed to reach a deal on keeping a transit stop at the mall. As a result, transit says the temporary bus stops on 48th Avenue will now become permanent. Mayor Akbal Mund says it's not nearly as safe, and they will be letting the mall's ownership know they are disappointed. "I don't see how the location now where it's on 48th, makes it any safer for a senior walking across the parking lot through that exit all the way across, watching people back out and back in," Mund tells Kiss FM The City says the mall was not interested in constructing a pullout on 48th Ave at this time. Councillor Catherine Lord says it will create dangerous conditions for some bus users. "The 48th Avenue stop is fine in the summer time, but in the winter, they have to walk all the way across that lot. And some of them have little kids with them and some of them are walking with walkers," says Lord. Mund says it's disappointing. "We're here for the residents of Vernon. Unfortunately this is private property and we can't mandate people to do certain things on their property, and this is one of them." The city says any customers with concerns should direct them to the mall owners, Bentall Kennedy.
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sww also http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/403478806.html
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sww also http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/403478806.html
Friday, July 08, 2016
Vernon transit stops removed
by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Major changes are coming to Vernon's transit system. Fifty-six bus stops are being removed and five others are being relocated. “Route efficiencies are routinely reviewed as part of transit system operations,” said Amanda Watson, transportation manager. “During these reviews, schedule reliability is a key consideration. Routes that have too many stops or have stops that are too close together means the bus spends an increased time stopping and starting thereby affecting its efficiency and ability to stay on schedule.” Watson says city staff have been working with the transit service operators to review spacing and locations of the 300 existing bus stops on certain routes to improve the reliability of the system as a whole. Route 8 remains unchanged.
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https://www.vernon.ca/activities-events/news-events/news-archive/bus-stops-removed-vernon-improve-transit-efficiency
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https://www.vernon.ca/activities-events/news-events/news-archive/bus-stops-removed-vernon-improve-transit-efficiency
Monday, May 16, 2016
UBCO Transit Connector to be Reviewed at RDNO on Wednesday at 4 pm. (21% Increase ??)
The approved 2016 RDNO budget for the UBCO Connector service (872) is $413,000. This cost is net of the $240,000 provincial contribution through BC Transit. The net cost of the service is funded by property tax requisition ($301,000), as well as transit fares ($78,000) and Lake Country’s contribution ($34,000).
The cost allocation percentages in the establishment bylaw are required to be reviewed at least every three (3) years using an ‘on bus’ survey. The last survey was conducted in October 2013, therefore a new survey is planned for October 2016. The estimated annual expansion costs are allocated among the partners below based on the 2013 percentage splits. By September 2017, these costs will vary somewhat due to the new survey numbers and a more detailed costing by
BC Transit.
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/160518_AGN_BoD_REG_FULL.pdf
The cost allocation percentages in the establishment bylaw are required to be reviewed at least every three (3) years using an ‘on bus’ survey. The last survey was conducted in October 2013, therefore a new survey is planned for October 2016. The estimated annual expansion costs are allocated among the partners below based on the 2013 percentage splits. By September 2017, these costs will vary somewhat due to the new survey numbers and a more detailed costing by
BC Transit.
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/160518_AGN_BoD_REG_FULL.pdf
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| P.282 Transit Expansion Data |
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| P.276 Transit Background (RDNO) |
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| P.278 Transit Tax Requisition Projected |
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Vernon Transit Expanding
Posted on 5/11/2016 6:54 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Vernon council has given preliminary support to expanding the transit system over the next few years. One of the initiatives is to develop a Core Transit Network which would include frequent service between the downtown and Village Green Centre by 2018. Councillor Catherine Lord feels that will increase ridership, even though the cost per rider has gone from 73 cents, to three dollars since 2006. "I kind of threw that out there but don't forget your looking at almost ten years from 2006 to now and so when you look at that and the price of gas going up and labor going up, it's not that huge." Councillor Scott Anderson says the city has been building the system for years, but the ridership hasn't increased much. "Everybody says they will use buses, everybody thinks it's a great idea for other people to use but then you look at the buses and nobody's on them." Anderson is not convinced the buses will ever be full. "I think honestly if we had buses than ran every ten minutes then it would work, but then you look at the cost benefit analysis." The most recent survey showed about 70 percent of residents use their vehicles to get around, with 1.7 percent using transit. The local bus system had 440,000 passenger rides last year, and had a a net municipal cost of $1.3 million.
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Actual Resolutions Passed (4-3) at Mondays Meeting
3 YEAR EXPANSION INITIATIVES — VERNON TRANSIT SYSTEM (P. 105)
(ii) THAT Council authorize in principle, the addition of 7,000 transit hours for the initial stage of the Core Transit Network (CTN) implementation in March 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, the addition of 3,500 transit hours for the second stage of the Core Transit Network (CTN) implementation in September 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, Administration to revise transit fares to coincide with the
March, 2018 implementation of the Core Transit Network (CTN) transit expansion to reflect the current costs of operating the transit service;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, Administration to redefine the cost percentage participation with the District of Coldstream to coincide with the new system proportions based on revenue hours upon implementation of the various transit expansions;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, the increase in operating expenditures beyond the standard 1.8% operating increase for transit services in 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to execute the Expansion Memorandum of Understanding
dated April 18, 2016, from BC Transit as attached to the report titled "3 Year Expansion Initiatives — Vernon Transit System", dated April 25, 2016 as submitted by the Director of Financial Services.
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Vernon council has given preliminary support to expanding the transit system over the next few years. One of the initiatives is to develop a Core Transit Network which would include frequent service between the downtown and Village Green Centre by 2018. Councillor Catherine Lord feels that will increase ridership, even though the cost per rider has gone from 73 cents, to three dollars since 2006. "I kind of threw that out there but don't forget your looking at almost ten years from 2006 to now and so when you look at that and the price of gas going up and labor going up, it's not that huge." Councillor Scott Anderson says the city has been building the system for years, but the ridership hasn't increased much. "Everybody says they will use buses, everybody thinks it's a great idea for other people to use but then you look at the buses and nobody's on them." Anderson is not convinced the buses will ever be full. "I think honestly if we had buses than ran every ten minutes then it would work, but then you look at the cost benefit analysis." The most recent survey showed about 70 percent of residents use their vehicles to get around, with 1.7 percent using transit. The local bus system had 440,000 passenger rides last year, and had a a net municipal cost of $1.3 million.
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Actual Resolutions Passed (4-3) at Mondays Meeting
3 YEAR EXPANSION INITIATIVES — VERNON TRANSIT SYSTEM (P. 105)
(ii) THAT Council authorize in principle, the addition of 7,000 transit hours for the initial stage of the Core Transit Network (CTN) implementation in March 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, the addition of 3,500 transit hours for the second stage of the Core Transit Network (CTN) implementation in September 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, Administration to revise transit fares to coincide with the
March, 2018 implementation of the Core Transit Network (CTN) transit expansion to reflect the current costs of operating the transit service;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, Administration to redefine the cost percentage participation with the District of Coldstream to coincide with the new system proportions based on revenue hours upon implementation of the various transit expansions;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize in principle, the increase in operating expenditures beyond the standard 1.8% operating increase for transit services in 2018;
AND FURTHER, that Council authorize Administration to execute the Expansion Memorandum of Understanding
dated April 18, 2016, from BC Transit as attached to the report titled "3 Year Expansion Initiatives — Vernon Transit System", dated April 25, 2016 as submitted by the Director of Financial Services.
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| P.114 Council Agenda package |
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| P.110 Council Agenda |
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| P 147 Financial Plan |
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| P.149 Financial Plan |
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Village Green Centre bus stop moves
by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 27, 2016 at 5:00 PM
A temporary change is planned for a Vernon transit route. Effective Sunday, the Village Green Centre bus stop will temporarily move to 48th Avenue until the new bus stop located in the mall parking lot is completed and ready for use. "B.C. Transit, First Transit, the City of Vernon and VGC management have reached an agreement to retain the bus stop within the parking lot and are actively working on the final details," states a release. "All parties agree that until the new bus stop is available for use, that action is necessary to address current operational and safety issues. This includes temporarily relocating the VGC bus stop to 48th Avenue."
A temporary change is planned for a Vernon transit route. Effective Sunday, the Village Green Centre bus stop will temporarily move to 48th Avenue until the new bus stop located in the mall parking lot is completed and ready for use. "B.C. Transit, First Transit, the City of Vernon and VGC management have reached an agreement to retain the bus stop within the parking lot and are actively working on the final details," states a release. "All parties agree that until the new bus stop is available for use, that action is necessary to address current operational and safety issues. This includes temporarily relocating the VGC bus stop to 48th Avenue."
Monday, January 25, 2016
No bus stop change for now |
by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jan 25, 2016 / 4:38 pm
BC Transit has agreed to delay moving its bus stop at the Village Green Centre until April 1, following a letter from Vernon city council. Council had protested a plan move the bus stop from the food court doors to nearby 48th Avenue, concerned that seniors and people with mobility issues will have to walk through the parking lot in winter conditions. “I guess council voicing their displeasure got the ball rolling with transit and the mall,” said Mayor Akbal Mund, adding a number of letters were sent out. While the mayor is not sure where the bus stop will go, the city has suggested the buses stop at an entrance to The Hudson's Bay and then exit at the lights on 48th. BC Transit had rejected that plan in the past. It is not known if that option is being reconsidered.
BC Transit has agreed to delay moving its bus stop at the Village Green Centre until April 1, following a letter from Vernon city council. Council had protested a plan move the bus stop from the food court doors to nearby 48th Avenue, concerned that seniors and people with mobility issues will have to walk through the parking lot in winter conditions. “I guess council voicing their displeasure got the ball rolling with transit and the mall,” said Mayor Akbal Mund, adding a number of letters were sent out. While the mayor is not sure where the bus stop will go, the city has suggested the buses stop at an entrance to The Hudson's Bay and then exit at the lights on 48th. BC Transit had rejected that plan in the past. It is not known if that option is being reconsidered.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Busy Transit Site Moved
Posted on 1/15/2016 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Changes to one of the busiest transit routes in Vernon will take effect next month. The bus stop outside the food court at the Village Green Centre, will be moved to 48th Avenue. "The traffic at the Village Green Centre has increased over the years since the bus stop was first installed," says Mike Russell, media and public relations adviser for BC Transit. "The increased traffic within the parking lot has resulted in safety concerns for the transit operators. The safety of our customers, community members and staff is our first concern and therefore, to ensure the safety of everyone, we have collectively (BCT, City, Operator) decided to relocate the current bus stop outside the parking lot onto 48th Ave." Two new stops will be installed on 48th Ave for Feb 6th in order to service the routes that currently stop at the VGC. "We will continue to work with all parties involved on a more permanent solution," adds Russell. The Village Green Centre's management realizes the current set-up is not ideal, but they remain open to discussing a more acceptable onsite transit stop.
Changes to one of the busiest transit routes in Vernon will take effect next month. The bus stop outside the food court at the Village Green Centre, will be moved to 48th Avenue. "The traffic at the Village Green Centre has increased over the years since the bus stop was first installed," says Mike Russell, media and public relations adviser for BC Transit. "The increased traffic within the parking lot has resulted in safety concerns for the transit operators. The safety of our customers, community members and staff is our first concern and therefore, to ensure the safety of everyone, we have collectively (BCT, City, Operator) decided to relocate the current bus stop outside the parking lot onto 48th Ave." Two new stops will be installed on 48th Ave for Feb 6th in order to service the routes that currently stop at the VGC. "We will continue to work with all parties involved on a more permanent solution," adds Russell. The Village Green Centre's management realizes the current set-up is not ideal, but they remain open to discussing a more acceptable onsite transit stop.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Bus stop brouhaha
Darren Handschuh - CASTANET Jan 11, 2016 / 4:30 pm |
There may not be much they can do, but Vernon city council will be going to bat for bus riders heading to the Village Green Centre. Currently, plans are in place to move the bus stop from the food court doors to nearby 48th Avenue. BC Transit said the move is necessary because of safety concerns, citing several incidents with vehicles and pedestrians. Council is concerned seniors and people with mobility issues will have to walk through the parking lot in winter conditions. Amanda Watson, municipal transportation engineer, said options have been discussed like maintaining the current system, but add curbing to reduce potential accidents or relocate the stop to the side of the mall at The Bay entrance. Watson said the mall presented an option similar to the status quo, but without the curbing and wanted to add two more parking spots. The idea was shot down by BC Transit. Watson said the groups involved have been working on the problem for two years and it was decided to move the stop to the road. Coun. Brian Quiring said the best option in his mind was to move the bus stop to The Bay, because there is less vehicle and pedestrian traffic in that area. “Can we at least look at the option of right outside The Bay,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “I am not sure what we can do as council to come to some better resolution, but to me this is not a good option.” Watson said the first choice for BC Transit was to add curbing, with moving the stop to The Bay as their second option, but the mall does not want either option. Mayor Akbal Mund pointed out Orchard Park in Kelowna has a bus stop at the side of the mall next to The Bay. “They seem to make it work,” said Mund. Coun. Bob Spiers suggested the date to move the bus stop to 48 Avenue be delayed until April, but was told transit drivers can refuse to enter the parking lot because of the possibility of an incident. In the end, council agreed to send a letter to mall administration expressing their concerns about moving the bus stop.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Transit fares rise today
by Wayne Moore CASTANET - Sep 1, 2015 / 10:44 am
It will cost you more to take a bus in the Central Okanagan today. As of this morning, fares rose 16 per cent for both conventional and community transit and 12 per cent for HandyDart service. The increases were approved by Kelowna city council in March. The increase, the first for Kelowna Regional Transit in three years, will offset rising operating costs and capital improvement costs made during the past couple of years. It will now cost $2.50 across the board for an adult single fare ticket. That's up from $2.25 for adults and college students and $2 for seniors and students up to Grade 12. Children under five still ride free. Adult day passes are now $6.50, up from $6 and $5.50, respectively. Monthly passes jumped to $70 for adults, $55 for college students and $45 for seniors and students up to Grade 12. The HandyDart service will increase by 11 per cent for cash fares ($2.50 from $2.25) and 12 per cent for monthly passes ($75 from $67). According to figures released to council in March, it currently costs slightly more than $20 million to run the regional transit service from Peachland to Lake Country, with revenues of $5.599 million (27 per cent cost recovery). Council's objective has been to hit 30 per cent. However, the latest fare increases will keep cost recovery at 27 per cent.
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Current Vernon Fares can be found at http://bctransit.com/vernon/fares
New Kelowna Fares can be found at http://bctransit.com/kelowna/fares
It will cost you more to take a bus in the Central Okanagan today. As of this morning, fares rose 16 per cent for both conventional and community transit and 12 per cent for HandyDart service. The increases were approved by Kelowna city council in March. The increase, the first for Kelowna Regional Transit in three years, will offset rising operating costs and capital improvement costs made during the past couple of years. It will now cost $2.50 across the board for an adult single fare ticket. That's up from $2.25 for adults and college students and $2 for seniors and students up to Grade 12. Children under five still ride free. Adult day passes are now $6.50, up from $6 and $5.50, respectively. Monthly passes jumped to $70 for adults, $55 for college students and $45 for seniors and students up to Grade 12. The HandyDart service will increase by 11 per cent for cash fares ($2.50 from $2.25) and 12 per cent for monthly passes ($75 from $67). According to figures released to council in March, it currently costs slightly more than $20 million to run the regional transit service from Peachland to Lake Country, with revenues of $5.599 million (27 per cent cost recovery). Council's objective has been to hit 30 per cent. However, the latest fare increases will keep cost recovery at 27 per cent.
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Current Vernon Fares can be found at http://bctransit.com/vernon/fares
New Kelowna Fares can be found at http://bctransit.com/kelowna/fares
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| Kelowna effective Sept 1 2015 |
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| Vernon Current rates Sept 1, 2015 |
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Transit vote fails
by The Canadian Press CASTANET- Jul 2, 2015 / 10:16 am
Residents of Metro Vancouver have rejected a half-per-cent sales tax to fund $7.5 billion in transportation upgrades. Elections BC says 62 per cent of voters have said No to the tax plan put forward by mayors and representatives from at least 21 municipalities and a First Nation. The tax was expected to generate funding for more buses, road development, a subway line extension and construction of a new bridge. Opponents have said that priority projects would get built through other means and that TransLink, the transit authority, should not be trusted with more money.
Proponents argued that transit upgrades are needed to accommodate the one million new residents expected to move to the Vancouver area over the next 30 years.Mail-in ballots were sent to residents starting in mid-March and voting closed about a month ago.
Residents of Metro Vancouver have rejected a half-per-cent sales tax to fund $7.5 billion in transportation upgrades. Elections BC says 62 per cent of voters have said No to the tax plan put forward by mayors and representatives from at least 21 municipalities and a First Nation. The tax was expected to generate funding for more buses, road development, a subway line extension and construction of a new bridge. Opponents have said that priority projects would get built through other means and that TransLink, the transit authority, should not be trusted with more money.
Proponents argued that transit upgrades are needed to accommodate the one million new residents expected to move to the Vancouver area over the next 30 years.Mail-in ballots were sent to residents starting in mid-March and voting closed about a month ago.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Transit Fares Under Review
Written by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 24 March 2015 12:44
Public Transit riders in the Central Okanagan will be facing new rates for single riders, ticket packages and monthly passes effective September 1st. The first increases since 2012 were approved Monday by the Central Okanagan Regional District. Those increases won't affect North Okanagan patrons, but a review of fares in the Vernon area is also underway. Nicole Court, at the Regional District of the North Okanagan, says discussion with BC Transit has been ongoing for the past year. "We don't want to raise our fees and change ridership numbers. There's also the talk of why don't we make it all free, and of course, that would then change all our taxes, so we have to be very careful about how we do it," says Court. Court says Route #90 from Vernon to UBC-Okanagan in particular, is being looked at. "That's mostly used by students who have a U-Pass and that does not come close to the 2.50 that it actually costs as a fare between Vernon and UBC Okanagan," she says. Court says any prospective changes are still a number of months away in the North Okanagan.
Public Transit riders in the Central Okanagan will be facing new rates for single riders, ticket packages and monthly passes effective September 1st. The first increases since 2012 were approved Monday by the Central Okanagan Regional District. Those increases won't affect North Okanagan patrons, but a review of fares in the Vernon area is also underway. Nicole Court, at the Regional District of the North Okanagan, says discussion with BC Transit has been ongoing for the past year. "We don't want to raise our fees and change ridership numbers. There's also the talk of why don't we make it all free, and of course, that would then change all our taxes, so we have to be very careful about how we do it," says Court. Court says Route #90 from Vernon to UBC-Okanagan in particular, is being looked at. "That's mostly used by students who have a U-Pass and that does not come close to the 2.50 that it actually costs as a fare between Vernon and UBC Okanagan," she says. Court says any prospective changes are still a number of months away in the North Okanagan.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Central Okanagan bus fares expected to increase
by Alistair Waters - Kelowna Capital News posted Mar 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM— updated Mar 9, 2015 at 5:19 PM
Kelowna city has approved the first hike in local transit fares in three years. Now it's up to municipal councils in West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland,the regional district board and the Westbank First Nation council to agree. At its regular Monday afternoon meeting, council was asked to support a move to standardize all single trip fares at $2.50 each, up from the current $2.25 for adults and college students and $2 for seniors and elementary, middle school and high school students charged now. Children under five will continue to ride for free. In addition to hiking the single trip fare, sheets of 10 tickets will jump in cost to $22.50 from 20.25 for adults and college students, while seniors and students up to Grade 12 would a hike of $2.25 to $20.25. Day passes for everyone will also be standardized at $6.50 each, up from the current $6 for adults and $5.50 for seniors and students,while monthly passes will increase by $10 for adults to $70 each, $3 for seniors to $45 each, $7 for college students to $55 each and $7 for students up to Grade 12 to $45 each. Family Max for Students passes will jump by $17 each to $112 each, while the UPASS for university and college students would cost $70 as of September 2016, up from the current $60 if approved in a referendum of UBCO students. City staff say the increases, the first since 2012, are needed achieve a 27 per cent per cent cost recovery for the local transit system. The municipality's had said they wanted a 30 per cent cost recovery but that would have required a 29 per cent increase in fares. (more)
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Don Quixote Note:
Transit Future Plan North Okanagan | March 2014
(P.57-59) Vernon and area cost recovery %age can be found here.
Also cost per trip on Transit routes can be found within this report.
Kelowna city has approved the first hike in local transit fares in three years. Now it's up to municipal councils in West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland,the regional district board and the Westbank First Nation council to agree. At its regular Monday afternoon meeting, council was asked to support a move to standardize all single trip fares at $2.50 each, up from the current $2.25 for adults and college students and $2 for seniors and elementary, middle school and high school students charged now. Children under five will continue to ride for free. In addition to hiking the single trip fare, sheets of 10 tickets will jump in cost to $22.50 from 20.25 for adults and college students, while seniors and students up to Grade 12 would a hike of $2.25 to $20.25. Day passes for everyone will also be standardized at $6.50 each, up from the current $6 for adults and $5.50 for seniors and students,while monthly passes will increase by $10 for adults to $70 each, $3 for seniors to $45 each, $7 for college students to $55 each and $7 for students up to Grade 12 to $45 each. Family Max for Students passes will jump by $17 each to $112 each, while the UPASS for university and college students would cost $70 as of September 2016, up from the current $60 if approved in a referendum of UBCO students. City staff say the increases, the first since 2012, are needed achieve a 27 per cent per cent cost recovery for the local transit system. The municipality's had said they wanted a 30 per cent cost recovery but that would have required a 29 per cent increase in fares. (more)
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Don Quixote Note:
Transit Future Plan North Okanagan | March 2014
(P.57-59) Vernon and area cost recovery %age can be found here.
Also cost per trip on Transit routes can be found within this report.
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