Council approves bussing partnership with BC Transit

Revelstoke’s partnership with BC Transit and Interior Health was once again on the table at an Oct. 8 city council meeting, this time to approve the Transit Expansion Plan Memoranda of Understanding for 2025 to 2028.

Previous council meetings included frustration at the lack of accessible hours and partially inaccessible vehicles currently operating in Revelstoke. The city has been working with the province to try and update vehicles and expand operating hours but was not approved for 2024. 

Steve Black, director of infrastructure and public works explained the province is looking to work with Revelstoke on updated transit partnerships and additional vehicles, but other municipalities took precedence this year.

“We were the first losers,” Black told council. Approving the Transit Expansion Plan MOU for another three years would increase the chances of Revelstoke being approved for additional fleet and hours.

Revelstoke’s transit system remains in high demand, Black explained. Even with reduced rider fees, revenue from the system continues to grow. As part of the agreement between BC Transit and the City of Revelstoke, revenue from fares remains within the city.

Last year’s Late Night Shuttle pilot project might not be seeing a return this year, instead focusing on increased runs during dinner hours to help folks safely commute to Revelstoke’s restaurants. 

Feedback from shuttle operators noted the lack of businesses and spots open particularly late in Revelstoke and encouraged a focus on dinner rush times. Still, Black said he’s hopeful the city and partners find a way to provide late night shuttles from the resort to town for the 2024-2025 winter season.

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BC Transit Revelstoke partnership renewed for another year