Summerland keeping free transit for all riders
Penticton may have temporarily stolen the show, but Summerland is still the only Okanagan community that lets all ages ride local transit buses for free.
Summerland’s one-year pilot project wrapped up at the end of April and council has agreed to extend it indefinitely.
“Free bus fare keeps money in people’s pockets and ensures essential services remain accessible. It reinforces the principle that mobility is a right and that transit is a public good, like schools and libraries – services that some people use more than others but which benefits the community as a whole,” said Mayor Doug Holmes in a press release.
Ridership on Route 30 – which offers five daily round trips around town and to Penticton, Monday through Saturday – grew from 11,052 in 2022 to 16,799 in 2023, according to a staff report from the March 19 meeting at which council voted to extend the program.
Staff estimated the annual cost of foregone revenue on the route at upwards of $15,000.
“The decision by the District of Summerland to provide free transit service to Summerland residents will encourage people to use a more sustainable, green method of travelling throughout their community,” added Bart Walman, government relations manager for BC Transit, in the release.
“Our organization will continue to work with the district to ensure we’re continuing to provide safe and reliable public transit for everyone in the region that chooses to take the bus.”
Free rides are only available to Summerland residents.
Penticton stole some of Summerland’s thunder in March when it mistakenly announced it was the first community in B.C. to offer free transit to youth (24 and under). Kids 12 and under already ride for free on transit systems across the province.