On-demand transit service comes to one Kelowna neighbourhood

BC Transit is partnering with the City of Kelowna, B.C., to move forward with an on-demand service that will give transit customers in the Crawford neighbourhood the convenience of using a mobile app to book a pick-up by a BC Transit-operated vehicle

A phone-in option will also be available to book rides. Once in service, customers can request a ride that begins and ends within the Crawford area, or to and from the Mission Rec Transit Exchange.

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“One of Council’s priorities is to improve transportation in the city and that incudes transit service, so news of On-Demand coming to the Crawford neighbourhood could not come at a better time,” Tom Dyas, Mayor of Kelowna said in a press release.

“Offering the ease and flexibility of this service will make public transit a more viable option for Kelowna residents which is something we are very excited about.”

On-demand service is expected to be available in early 2024. The system will operate in a network of designated stops within the Crawford area to provide transit when customers need it.

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Other benefits to customers could include shorter wait and travel times; direct route trips; increased access to areas within the neighbourhood that have limited transit service; and increased service availability during off-peak times, particularly during the evenings and weekends.

The on-demand service is being funded by BC Transit and the City of Kelowna. If successful, the service could expand to other locations and communities around the province.