Kelowna Buses Rolling Out Fall Service Changes Sunday

In preparation for post-secondary students going back to school, the Kelowna Regional Transit System is introducing routing and schedule changes to be implemented August 31.

New West Kelowna routes starting on Sunday. (Photo Credit: BC Transit)

West Kelowna will finally be able to participate in the RapidBus service. Transit routes are being re-aligned on the west side to serve new transit exchanges at Westbank Town Centre and Boucherie Mountain. Additionally, new RapidBus stations are opening at Butt Road and Westlake-Hudson. As a result of these new services, the 20 Lakeview and 24 Shannon Lake will discontinue service directly to/from downtown. Customers who use these routes can transfer at Boucherie Mountain Transit Exchange to connect with the RapidBus Line.

Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) was previously only served by one transit route, despite being a major destination in the city. Starting Sunday, however, the updated 8 University will have direct connection there, as well as to Okanagan College (OC) and the South Pandosy Transit Exchange. Two-way direct connection will therefore be available along Springfield Road/Cadder Avenue, Pandosy Street, and K.L.O Road.

New 8 University and 5 Gordon lines. (Photo Credit: BC Transit)

A new route, 5 Gordon, will address address a major transit ridership growth opportunity, completing the overall network. This route will provide a two-way direct connection to the downtown area, OC, and the Mission Recreation Centre.

The Queensway Exchange remains temporarily closed due to the ongoing improvements. Customers can instead board their buses on Ellis Street and Doyle Avenue.

Finally, there will be a new route connecting the Lakes neighbourhood in Lake Country to Lake Country Town Centre during weekday peak periods.

For more information on the Fall 2014 transit changes and schedules, check out the BC Transit website.