More buses could eventually run between Vernon and Kelowna.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has supported B.C. Transit’s bid for provincial funding to expand the transit run to the University of B.C.
“The routes are full and people are standing,” said director Akbal Mund.
The goal is to reinstate four trips per weekday in the summer in 2017 and launch four trips per day on Saturdays.
“Since the service began in 2008, the UBCO connector has been one of the fastest growing and most popular routes in the North Okanagan,” states a regional district staff report.
Beyond students going to the university, the route is used by residents accessing appointments in Kelowna.
“There is a demand because it’s convenient. We need to increase ridership,” said Mund.
The total cost for the expansion is $139,536, with $63,195 coming from local government.