Skip to content

Changes to West Kootenay transit fares under consideration

Changes could be coming to the West Kootenay Transit System’s fare rates.
90870trail160908-CAN-Transit

Changes could be coming to the West Kootenay Transit System’s fare rates.

Earlier this month the board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) voted to approve a simplified fare schedule for the West Kootenay Transit System, but two more votes need to take place before the changes are approved. The board of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) and the City of Nelson still need to vote on the new fares.

The intent of the new fares is to simplify the fare system for the area.

“Part of the reason why we’re doing this is because the West Kootenay transit fare structure is complex compared to other systems, so they currently have 12 fare types for that one system,” explained a representative from B.C. Transit.

Currently, the transit system is divided into three separate zones, with higher fares for those who need to travel between zones. The proposed new fare system would eliminate these zones, so that transit users pay the same no matter where they travel within the West Kootenay Transit System.

On the current fare system, the cash fare for one zone is $2 in one zone and $3.50 for multiple zones. If approved, the new cash fare will be $2.25 throughout the system. Similarly, monthly passes are currently $50 for one zone or $90 for multiple zones, but will be $60 if the new fares are approved.

Under the proposed rate chance, the health connections rates would be the same and the price of the student semester pass would be fixed at $125.

If the RDKB and the City of Nelson approve the proposed new fares, they would go into effect sometime in the fall.