Summerland residents to ride bus route 30 free for a year

The District of Summerland council approved a year-long free fare pilot for Summerland residents on bus Route 30 Summerland/Penticton.

Starting on Earth Day, April 22, Summerland residents will be able to show a government issued ID, or a student ID from a Summerland school for those 13-18 years old, to bus drivers for a free ride on Route 30 buses.

"Free bus fare will keep money in people's pockets and ensure essential services remain accessible,” Mayor Doug Holmes said.

“It reinforces the principle that mobility is a right and that transit is a public good benefiting all of society,” Mayor Doug Holmes said.

This free fare initiative is the first regional route in BC offering free fares to their residents, and it is identified as a Council Strategic Priority.

It is intended to help provide an affordable and accessible means of transportation to neighbouring communities along Route 30 for medical appointments, shopping and other essential services.

The free fare pilot program follows the District’s recent appointment by Earth Day Canada as the 2023 spokesperson for the Mobilizing Municipalities Campaign, with Mayor Doug Holmes as District representative.

In recognition of the community’s long-standing celebration of Earth Day, Summerland hopes to contribute to community climate and emission goals with this free fare pilot program, which ends on April 22, 2024.

More information about the free fare program can be found here.