Initial ridership numbers for the new Penticton to Kelowna bus route indicate a total of 1,500 riders have used the service in the first two months of operation.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

BC Transit officials are happy with initial ridership numbers on the new Penticton to Kelowna regional bus route.

The route, which had its inaugural run on Sept. 3, appears to be catching on with passengers. In September and October, the new bus service carried approximately 1,500 passengers.

“We’re pleased with the uptake to date and look forward continuing to grow ridership on this service with our partners in the South Okanagan Similkameen Transit System and Kelowna Regional Transit System,” BC Transit communications manager Jonathon Dyck said today, Nov. 29.

The route carried 700 passengers in September and 800 passengers in October.

Route 70, as the Penticton to Kelowna run is known, currently consists of four round trips from Penticton to Kelowna on Mondays and two round trips Tuesday to Friday for a fare of $5.

The service was initiated by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board and BC Transit following the demise of Greyhound bus service through the Okanagan Valley last year.

The regional board saw a need for a transit link from the South Okanagan to Kelowna, for residents travelling for medical appointments, students and other commuters.

Route 70 is fairly unique in British Columbia in that it is one of two routes in the province that leaves the jurisdiction that funds it.

Penticton residents travelling to Kelowna depart Cherry Lane Mall at Atkinson Street and Warren Avenue at 6:03 a.m. and 3:36 p.m. daily, arriving in Kelowna at the Queensway Exchange at 7:25 a.m. and 4:55 p.m.

On Monday, two additional round trip runs depart from the Cherry Lane stop at 9:08 a.m. and 12:37 p.m., arriving in Kelowna at 10:25 a.m. and 1:55 p.m.

For Kelowna residents travelling to Penticton, Route 70 departs from the Queensway Exchange in Kelowna, heading southbound at 7:40 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. weekdays, with additional departures at 10:35 a.m. and 2:05 p.m. on Monday.

The bus also makes stops in West Kelowna at the Westbank exchange, and in Summerland at two locations: Rosedale Avenue and Jubilee Road, and at Peach Orchard Road and Rosedale Avenue.

For more information on Route 70, see the BC Transit website here.

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