Major changes coming to Kelowna's bus service next month

BC Transit has announced that expanded service to UBCO will begin this fall.

The new Route 98 Rutland/UBCO Express will debut on Sept. 1, bringing more direct and fast service to the University campus.

“As a result, some existing trips on Route 97 Okanagan will shift over to service the route 98. Trips on these routes will increase over time,” says BC Transit in a news release.

The introduction of this new route is part of a bigger vision to revamp the Rutland and area bus network, which city council began reviewing in July 2023.

Also beginning in September, the new Route 84 Academy Way will replace Rout 4 Pandosy/UBCO to better service the Academy Way area.

There will be additional trips added over time and Route 4 pandosy/Orchard Park will continue to provide service between the South Pandosy neighbourhood and Orchard Park Mall.

BC Transit says Route 12 Quail ridge will also be expanded during the school year to provide more morning and evening trips.

Route 19 Glenmore will see adjustments to better serve the area around Drysdale Boulevard.

Other changes beginning this fall include increase mid-day and weekend service on the following routes:

• Route 1 Lakeshore

• Route 5 Gordon

• Route 8 University/OK College

• Route 10 North Rutland

• Route 11 Rutland

BC Transit and City of Kelowna staff will be onsite at major transit exchanges on Aug. 27 and 28 from 7:30-9:30 am and from 3:30-5:30 pm to answer questions and provide information.

To check out the new routes when they debut, visit this link.