Coming soon: expanded bus service and a new single multi-zone fare in the West Kootenay

Complementing these changes, a new single fare will make it easier and more convenient to ride the bus in the region.

The West Kootenay Transit System will soon benefit from extended routes and fare changes. — Photo courtesy BC Transit

West Kootenay – Starting August 1, 2017, bus riders in the West Kootenay Transit System will benefit from extended service on several routes, and will be able to travel across zones for a single one-way cash fare of $2.25 (excluding health connection fares).

“I am excited to see all the new route changes, as well as the new multi-zone single fare, which provides an affordable and convenient option to riders,” said Lawrence D. Chernoff, Chair of the West Kootenay Transit Committee. “This is another giant step forward with regard to providing broader transit service to riders in the West Kootenay Region. I am appreciative of the partnership between BC Transit and West Kootenay Transit that allows us to provide these changes.”

The West Kootenay Transit System is introducing a new route, 15 Perrier Road, which will provide three trips every weekday.

Additional service will also be added to the following routes:

• 10 North Shore
• 14 Blewett
• 20 Slocan Valley
• 52 Nakusp/New Denver/Silverton (extending Nakusp-Silverton to Slocan to connect to 20 Slocan Valley)
• 72 Salmo-Nelson
• 76 Kaslo-Nelson

Other route changes include shortening Glenmerry-area routing to make route 43 Glenmerry/Fruitvale more efficient, and discontinuing route 47 Tadanac due to lack of ridership.

Complementing these changes, the new single fare will make it easier and more convenient to ride the bus in the region by getting rid of fare zones, while making the service more affordable for multi-zone riders. To this end, BC Transit is also introducing a convenient DayPASS, which will allow riders to travel all day within the West Kootenay Transit System for $4.50.

“BC Transit is pleased to work with our partners in the West Kootenay region to offer this service expansion and simplified fare structure,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “We will continue to work together to deliver efficient and effective service to connect people and communities throughout the region.”

Riders may also choose to purchase 10-ticket sheets for $20.25, or a monthly pass for $60 (adults) or $45 (students and seniors). Semester passes for post-secondary students will also be available at $125 per semester.

For more information about routes, schedules and service changes, visit bctransit.com/west-kootenay.