Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Crawford neighbourhood is the first in B.C. to have OnDemand Transit.

The service offers pickup times and locations passengers determine through a smartphone app or phone. It provides more direct trips, quicker commutes, and shorter wait times.

害羞草研究所淭his new innovative service, which will improve mobility and sustainability in our community, is the first of its kind in the province, and we are thrilled to launch it here in Kelowna,害羞草研究所� explains Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit president and CEO.

Starting Apr. 28, the hybrid approach in the Crawford area will provide a fixed-route service during peak hours and OnDemand during all other times.

害羞草研究所淜elowna害羞草研究所檚 ridership is at an all-time high,害羞草研究所� Pinkerton adds. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e hoping to achieve seven million rides in 2024.害羞草研究所�

That is a 12 per cent increase over 2023.

害羞草研究所淒ouble-digit growth in ridership is a sign of the success of the Kelowna Regional Transit System,害羞草研究所� Pinkerton notes.

Mayor Tom Dyas is pleased Kelowna is the jumping-off point for the service that will eventually be offered throughout the province.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檝e seen it in action back in Oshawa. Which quickly resulted in advanced frequency and availability of services in their area.害羞草研究所�

Rob Bryans, Canada Country Manager with Via Transportation the TransitTech provider, says the service will revolutionize how transit riders get around.

害羞草研究所淰ia has delivered this technology and service to about 700 cities, counties, and communities around the world and we害羞草研究所檙e bringing that global technology to Crawford and Kelowna.害羞草研究所�

Fixed-route service in Crawford will be available on Route 15 twice a day Monday through Friday between 8-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m.

OnDemand transit will be available Monday through Friday between 7 -8 a.m., 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and 4 -7 p.m.

Weekend and holiday availability is from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

There are no fixed routes or schedules with OnDemand service, as buses are dispatched on a request basis to a designated safe pick-up location near the customer.

Ride requests begin and end within the Crawford area including service to Canyon Falls Middle School and the Mission Recreation Transit Exchange.

BC Transit and the City of Kelowna partnered with TransitTech provider, Via Transportation and Transdev to offer the service.

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