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Summerland Transit route unveiled

After years of waiting, transit service will arrive in Summerland beginning Oct. 28.

After years of waiting, transit service will arrive in Summerland beginning Oct. 28.

The announcement was made on Monday afternoon as municipal officials and representatives from B.C. Transit unveiled the route.

“Many of you have been advocates for reliable, scheduled service,” said Steve Harvard, B.C. Transit’s regional transit manager for the Southern Interior.

Mayor Janice Perrino said the quest for a scheduled bus service started around 20 years ago.

She added that it took effort from many in the community to bring in the service.

Kevin Schubert, director of regional transit with B.C. Transit said the efforts required for the bus have been impressive.

The route will provide service to the library, schools, the Summerland Health Centre and the Summerland Seniors Village before continuing to Penticton. Service to Trout Creek will also be provided.

The service will begin on Monday, Oct. 28 and will offer service to Penticton Monday to Friday, four times a day.

Twice a day, the bus will also stop in Trout Creek.

Until Dec. 31, the service will be free.

“We are trying to make the new transit system as easy to use as possible,” Perrino said.

“That is why we are initially waiving fares and hope that people give the new service a try.” She explained that it will take time to build ridership numbers for the new service.

While the service will provide a needed service, she added that it cannot accommodate all needs, especially at first.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Summerland to provide local scheduled transit coverage while maintaining a vital regional connector,” said Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of B.C. transit. “This new service will be an efficient and effective way for Summerland residents to stay connected to their work, friends and community.”

The schedule can be found at bctransit.com/regions/sum/schedules/schedule.cfm?line=1&v=u.

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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