A Vernon resident's plea for support of better bussing to and from 麻豆精选 is driving forward with increased government support.
Fraser Young, a Pottery Road resident, wrote a letter to the city seeking support for better connectivity between Vernon, Lake Country and 麻豆精选, by combining BC Transit's route 97 to include route 90.
"This would connect Vernon, Lake Country, 麻豆精选, YLW, UBC Okanagan and West 麻豆精选 to one rapid bus line," said Young. "Once combined, by continuing the route 97 existing schedule, bus service would begin at 5 a.m. and conclude as late as 2 a.m. with peak service times operating every 15 minutes."
According to Young, more than 400 community members from the region signed a petition supporting the expansion, along with a letter of support already written by MLA Harwinder Sandhu and Lake Country council.
The benefits of the enhanced service would positively impact air travellers, as there is currently no stop on the rapid bus route 97 for the 麻豆精选 Airport, and "the current route 90 runs too infrequent to be relied upon by air travellers."
"With a stop in each direction for YLW, air travellers will finally have a frequently operating transit option encompassing the entire daily flight schedule so no matter the flight, or if your flight comes in late 鈥� you can take a bus," added Young.
Sandhu's letter of support outlined issues with the Route 90 bus beginning service at 7 a.m, causing issues with students at UBC Okanagan.
"It is often overcrowded, forcing passengers to stand, which creates significant safety concerns," Sandhu said. "Unlike commercial liners, public transit buses lack seat belts and enforce minimal seating protocols. Mr. Young鈥檚 proposal addresses these concerns by suggesting the use of double-decker buses from the existing BC Transit fleet to enhance capacity and safety.
Overall, Young and Sandhu outlined that "every single group within our communities" will benefit from expansion of this bus route.
Vernon council decided at the Monday, Feb. 10 meeting that a letter of support will be written by Mayor Victor Cumming, to be sent to BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
