City of Penticton adopts long-term transit plans – Okanagan
More public transport and fewer vehicles.
Calling it a roadmap for the future, the City of Penticton says it has adopted two new plans for public transit throughout the region.
The first plan, aimed at the South Okanagan, sets out medium- and long-term transit visions, including new and proposed routes and expanded services.
The second plan provides a framework for future transit decisions in Penticton, such as increasing service frequency. For example, one recommendation is to see the Route 5 Main Street bus running every 15 minutes on weekdays.
“This is a positive step forward for the future of Penticton’s transit services, providing a long-term vision to plan for network growth and advance our climate initiatives,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield.
“Public transit is a key goal of our Community Climate Action Plan and a critical way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We therefore hope that the province will increase its funding, which will allow us to move forward with our service expansion plans.
The city recommends that the roadmap be rolled out in three phases, with the aim of implementing the first phase in 2025-2026.
Additional funding will be needed, the city said, adding that the plans are linked to its Community Climate Action Plan, the goal of which is to reduce vehicle emissions.
“The plan identified that approximately 54 percent of our community’s emissions come from vehicles, and in order to meet emissions goals, it must focus on six key areas,” the city said.
A key element is public transit, with the city saying it wants to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 13 percent over the next 20 years.
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