‘Vital upgrades’ complete at Rutland Transit Exchange

The Rutland Transit Exchange is looking a little different these days following the completion of several improvements.

Not only is it a much-needed and aesthetically-pleasing facelift, the City of Kelowna says the project used a design approach that reduces the risk of crime and enhances public safety.

Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr called them “vital upgrades.”

“Investments like this strengthen public transit infrastructure, making it safer, more accessible and better equipped to meet the growing needs of the community,” he said.

“These enhancements will help connect residents to schools, jobs and services, ensuring reliable transit for years to come.”

Here’s a list of upgrades that were made to the Rutland Transit Exchange on Shepherd Road between Asher Road and Roxby Road:

• Two concrete bus bays with new shelters with bench seating
• Dedicated transit park and ride lot (installation of six EV chargers coming in March)
• Pick up and drop off area
• Electronic access bike lockers
• Paved sidewalks, crosswalks and pavement markings
• An operator washroom facility
• Street lighting and underground servicing
• Planting of 14 new trees

Funding for the Rutland Transit Exchange improvements is part of a broader partnership between BC Transit and the City of Kelowna.

The $9.2-million program includes contributions from the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia and City of Kelowna.

Next up for the program will be upgrades at the MIssion Recreation and Okanagan College transit exchanges, which are scheduled to get underway later this year.