Video reduces barriers to taking public transit

A new transit orientation video offered by the City of Kelowna aims to help youth and older adults feel confident taking public transit.

An alternative to in-person orientation sessions, the on-demand video provides an online opportunity to learn how to take transit within the Kelowna Regional Transit System, which offers 29 routes and more than 1,000 stops from Lake Country all the way to Peachland. The new video overviews topics such as how to access and use fare products, board and ride the bus, read schedules, and use various trip planning tools.

The video is part of a suite of public education materials created for the city’s pilot Transit Travel Training Program. Offered by the City of Kelowna in partnership with BC Transit and Central Okanagan Public Schools, the program is made possible with grant funding provided by the BC Ministry of Health. The pilot aims to test a program delivery model to reduce barriers that youth and older adults may face in taking transit.

“The ability and option to take transit can be a significant part of a person’s quality of life, providing greater freedom and independence,” said Mike Kittmer, Transit Services Coordinator. “The Transit Travel Training Program aims to address and reduce challenges to taking transit, such as those associated with diverse mobility or sensory abilities, lack of experience or access to information.”

Through the program, training has been provided for all Grade 7 students at KLO Middle School and Grade 9 students at Rutland Secondary School, as well as for residents at one retirement residence in Kelowna. Training has been successful in helping parents feel more confident letting their children use public transit. Registration is currently open for public in-person orientation sessions, which are tentatively scheduled throughout March. Availability of in-person training is subject to public health requirements regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Those interested in viewing the free transit orientation video are asked to complete an online registration form at smartTRIPS.ca. Registration will ensure staff can provide participants with essential supplementary resources and a complimentary transit fare product. For more information about the program, visit smartTRIPS.ca, email events@smartTRIPS.ca or call 1-800-469-7830.