A new transit operator will be taking over BC Transit services in the East Kootenay effective March 1st.
PWTransit Canada will be assuming the contract for the East Kootenay region, through an agreement with NextGen Transit with the endorsement of BC Transit.
The change includes services offered in the Columbia Valley (Canal Flats, Invermere and Radium), Cranbrook, Creston, Elk Valley (Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford) and Kimberley transit systems. It encompasses fixed route, handyDART, Health Connections and Paratransit services.
While the operator is changing, transit service levels, routes, schedules and fares will not be impacted.
NextGen will continue to operate service until March 1, and all unionized NextGen Transit employees currently working in public transit will be offered comparable roles with PWTransit Canada, according to a news release.
PWTransit Canada provides transportation services across Canada, including several contracts within British Columbia on behalf of BC Transit.
The company will assume the existing contract that was established May 1, 2021. The nine-year agreement expires March 31, 2030, with allowable extensions up to a total of 15 years.
Last year, PWTransit Canada also took over transit services in the West Kootenay, which serves several communities including Trail, Castlegar and the Boundary Transit System (Grand Forks) effective March 31. Further, the City of Nelson also recently took over operations from NextGen for transit services for a number of West Kootenay-based service routes.
With files from Bill Metcalfe, Sheri Regnier
