$7.3 million announced for Regional Transit

The Kelowna Regional Transit System is getting a funding boost from senior governments.

As part of the Government of Canada and Province of B.C.’s Safe Restart plan, the system will receive $7.3 million to support transit recovery.

“We thank the Government of Canada and Province of B.C. for providing this important support for our regional transportation system,” said Mayor Colin Basran. “This funding will help us cover the revenue losses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and allow us to work with BC Transit and our regional partners to continue providing safe, affordable and reliable transit service for the Central Okanagan.”

Last week, BC Transit announced an $86 million COVID-19 funding package that would be allocated to BC Transit and its local government partners. Of this funding, $7.3 million is designated for the Kelowna Regional Transit System, to be distributed over the next two years. Funding will help cover the costs of lost revenue and additional expenses to improve safety and comfort for transit staff and customers.

“The funding from the Government of Canada and Province of BC will allow BC Transit and our local government partners to continue providing transportation services our customers can rely on despite the impacts of COVID-19,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “Thank you to our customers, employees, and partners for their ongoing support of public transportation in British Columbia.”

Transit provides an increasingly important service for people across the region. Additional funding will ensure essential service levels can be maintained and that fares remain stable and affordable as the region recovers from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Providing the essential services that residents rely on while also building for the future and planning for growth are priorities of the City’s 2021 Financial Plan.

The funding is part of $1.08 billion Safe Restart funding from the Government of Canada and Province of BC to support local governments and public transportation. To find out more about the funding announcement, visit news.gov.bc.ca/23361.