Major changes are coming to the Vernon Regional Transit System starting next month.
The transit system is increasing service by roughly 25 per cent starting April 1 but a new fare structure will also kick in on that date meaning some riders will pay more.
“Overall what the customer will see is about 40 extra trips per day to the service, which includes a brand new route that connects the downtown exchange to the north end and the malls up there,” said BC Transit Planning Manager Matthew Boyd.
The changes include later evening service weeknights on routes 3, 5, 7 and 8 and Saturday service to UBCO on route 90.
Municipal leaders are hoping the changes increase ridership.
But the new service also comes with increased costs and some riders will be asked to pay more.
Starting on April 1 the transit system will no longer have different one zone and multi-zone fares.
That will mean price increases for those currently buying one zone fares.
For example, cash fares are currently set at $2.00 for adult one zone riders. Under the new pricing scheme they will pay $2.50.
In addition, cash fares on route 90, which connects Vernon to UBCO, will go up from $2.50 for adults to $5.00 but the price of a U-Pass for students is staying the same.
“The fares don’t cover the full cost of providing the service. The service is subsidized. We wanted to raise the fares in recognition that they haven’t been raised since 2004, costs have gone up,” said City of Vernon manager of transportation Amanda Watson.
“It’s also to match the service that we are providing.”
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