The agency responsible for delivering – well, people delivery service in Princeton and beyond – is encouraging residents to get on board.
“There is a lot of confusion in the community about transit services and who can use them. We find a lot of community members are unaware that we are not a HandyDart provider and anyone can use the service to travel locally and regionally,” said Becky Vermette, executive director of Princeton and District Community Social Services.
Anyone can use the bus, stressed Vermette.
“The program has been underutilized during the pandemic, as we were forced to run at half capacity. However, now that people are venturing out of their homes and communities more we are seeing an uptick in riders.
“The bus can accommodate up to 22 riders. Regional trips can fill quickly so we encourage riders to book in advance as much as possible.”
The service has an overall annual cost of $166,000 and is funded by BC Transit, the Town of Princeton, the regional district and Interior Health.
Children under 12 ride free and local trips are $2.25 for one way. Pick up is on demand, door to door, and is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8:30 am and 3:45 p.m. (Closed for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.)
Trips can be booked by calling 250-295-6666.
Busing to Penticton is provided Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a cost of $4 for one way.
The bus picks up passengers at their doors starting at 6:50 a.m., with an approximate return time of 2:30 p.m.
Vermette said riders needing a connection to Kelowna, from Penticton, can coordinate those on Mondays for 9:08 a.m. and 12:32 p.m.
Bus tickets and passes can be purchased at Princeton town hall, or passengers can deposit fees into the fare box on the bus.
Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities have access to the BC Bus Pass Program. The pass is valid in communities served by BC Transit or Translink. Persons with disabilities can receive a bus pass as part of their disability assistance, and low-income seniors and other eligible people can access the program at a reduced cost. To obtain a BC Bus Pass call 1-866-866-088.
Currently masks are mandatory for riders, however there is no mandatory vaccinations to ride.
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