Why did fares change?
Fares are reviewed as part of a regular cycle to ensure the optimal mix of funding from local residents and transit users. At the same time, these fare changes are designed to create consistency across the region, be easy to understand, marketable and maximise revenue and ridership.
Who made the decision to change fares?
All decisions on fares are made by the respective local governments. In this case, fares were determined by the City of Penticton, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, District of Summerland, Town of Osoyoos and Town of Princeton.
What is considered a local route?
A local route is any route that travels within a community, e.g. within the City of Penticton, or within the Town of Osoyoos. These routes all end in numbers other than “0”.
What is considered a regional route?
A regional route is any route that travels between communities, e.g. from Penticton to Naramata. These routes all end on a “0”. For example, routes 10 and 30 are regional routes.
Why have you eliminated age-based discount fares?
Removing age-based discounts is becoming more popular across Canada and has several benefits:
- It offers simplicity in the fare structure, making it easier for customers to understand and use, and simpler for vendors to promote and sell.
- It reduces the reliance on operators to enforce age-based fares, potentially reducing conflict.
- It provides incentive for riders to switch to monthly passes, thus encouraging more consistent ridership while reducing fare collection costs.
What tickets are now valid?
For local routes, the valid fare is a $2.25 ticket. For regional routes, the valid fare is a $4.00 ticket.
Can I still use my old tickets?
Yes. All old tickets will be valid for travel on any route until December 31, 2017.
Why has the semester pass been eliminated in Penticton?
Seeking efficiency was a key part of this fare review. The extremely low sales of the Semester Pass in the past few years meant that it was no longer efficient to offer this fare product.
When will all monthly passes be available to buy?
All monthly passes available prior to July 1, 2017 are available for purchase at the new price. All new passes will be available for purchase in January 2018. Please contact your respective local transit system for more details.
Is there any change to transfers?
Transfers continue to be available when travelling in-between Summerland, Penticton, Naramata and Okanagan Falls. For Osoyoos and Princeton passengers, transfers are available when paying a regional fare and travelling towards Penticton. Transfers are not available when travelling back towards Osoyoos or Princeton. Top ups are no longer required. To simplify two-way travel and minimize cost, consider purchasing a DayPASS before boarding a bus. A local or regional DayPASS allows unlimited travel within a service day.
How are Day Passes used?
A DayPASS offers a discount for unlimited travel throughout the day. To pay using a DayPASS, show the front of the pass to the driver. You should have your specific travel day scratched off ahead of time.
Does the old phone number I have still work?
Yes, you can still call any of the transit phone numbers and get through. You can also now call 1-844-422-2212 to be connected to any of the systems in the region. For handyDART or On-Request service, call 1-844-446-6616.
