Skip to content

Intercity bus service to operate in South Okanagan and Similkameen Valley

Service will operate in the South Okanagan from Kaslo to Vancouver along Hwy 1, 3, 3A and 31
17565044_web1_190711-KER-Bus
The intercity bus operator Mountain Man Mike’s uses a 22-seat bus fueled by processed vegetable oil to run a 16-stop route from Kaslo to Vancouver. (Facebook)

A new bus service with vehicles fueled by processed vegetable oil will soon be operating in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valley on the road to Vancouver.

Mountain Man Mike’s service begins July 13.

The bus will provide service from Kaslo to Vancouver along Hwy 1, 3, 3A and 31. It will stop in the following cities: Kaslo, Ainsworth, Balfour, Nelson, Castlegar, Christine Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Rock Creek, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Princeton, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Vancouver, and eventually Edmonton.

According to Mountain Man Mike’s website, the 22-seat buses began operating on recycled fry oil at the end of June.

“We will be working on our bus, web page, and build out in the coming weeks,” reads the website. “To follow us be sure to check our webpage as well as our Facebook page.”

The booking webpage will be open with pricing and schedules on July 9.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the Passenger Transportation Board gave the bus company the green light in May. It said it understands the frustration of people who are looking for affordable bus transportation after Greyhound Canada eliminated service in this area of the province last year.

“We continue to work on solutions to address the need for intercity ground transportation in B.C. so people can travel reliably and safely,” said the ministry in an emailed statement.

The ministry also said that private section operators are now providing service on routes Greyhound Canada operated before eliminating service in Western Canada last fall.

READ MORE: Kootenay bus fueled by vegetable oil to begin service next month

“There are a couple of routes that remain without service, including two stretches of highways in the Southern Interior. The Passenger Transportation Branch and the Passenger Transportation Board continue to fast-track applications from interested operators.”

The ministry also said it’s working with the federal government on a possible cost-sharing arrangement for routes withdrawn by Greyhound, which no private operator has expressed interest in offering intercity bus service.

READ MORE: New Kelowna-Vancouver bus route off to slow start

“The province has co-chaired a working group with other provinces to get a better understanding of the complexities of providing intercity bus service. That work is ongoing as we gather further information and develop solutions,” states the ministry.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
Robin Grant
Reporter, Penticton Western News
Email me or follow me on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram