Regional District Directors treated to a second presentation from BC Transit today but few answers to key questions.

When will a Friday service be added to  the Monday to Thursday transit service from Osoyoos to Penticton?

Presently anyone wanting to use the service for a job or college can’t go on Friday – numerous reps from the Town of Osoyoos on hand to explain the service and its needs.

Transit BC and the RDOS hope to have an agreed upon “Transit Future Plan” before this summer – but it seems progress is slow.

Recently Transit BC said no to the Friday trip from Osoyoos to Penticton with communities along the route, Oliver, Gallagher Lake, OK Falls and Kaleden hoping for improved service.

BC Transit has 1013 buses running in BC outside of Vancouver – operated by contractors. Municipalities and Regional Districts are expect to a pay a third – fees are designed to raise 40% of needed revenue and the remainder if funding is agreed to by BC Transit.

The plan is to decrease the carbon footprint and get more people out of cars and into a habit of using transit. In addition, those with handicapped can travel more and have better access to doctors, dentists and specialists.

In the RDOS 16 open houses have been held with many surveys completed – 270 people responded to surveys.

Those survey responses indicate a need for transportation for those with mobility issues, want to inter-connect within the regional, want better chairs/seating and access to wifi. Surveys indicate that people would use the service 2-3 times a week if freely available.

Interesting facts: # of drivers licenses for each area

1990 in Osoyoos, 2330 in Oliver, 1011 in Keremeos and 2420 in Summerland – Many are senior citizens with the prospect in the future of losing that right to drive.

A regional transit plan is scheduled to be unveiled at the Regional District table in two weeks time with BC Transit set to indicate agreement in May.