Transit fares in greater Kelowna could rise from $2.50 to $3.00 if council on Monday approves the first increase since 2015.
Other proposals are to boost the day pass from $5 to $6, increase the cost of the 30-day pass for adults from $70 to $80, and elevate the charge for the post-secondary semester pass from $176 to $208.
鈥淟ike other service areas, transit costs are affected by inflationary pressures which have been significant in recent years,鈥 states part of a report to council. 鈥淐osts are forecast to continue rising due to cost increases for labour, technology, and other operational necessities.
鈥淔ares in the Kelowna Regional Transit System have not increased for a decade, which has further eroded the proportion of operating costs offset by fare revenues,鈥 the report states.聽
Even with the increases, which will generate almost a million additional dollars in revenue,聽
fares will still only generate 31 per cent of the system鈥檚 total operating costs, slightly below the 35 per cent target set by B.C. Transit.聽
Overall, the local bus system costs $27.6 million to operate this year. Fares paid by passengers produce $8.6 million in revenue, with grants from BC Transit and the city covering the additional costs.聽
Without a fare increase, the subsidy required from the city would have to increase, the report notes.聽
For the current fiscal year, total ridership is expected to be 6.5 million. The proposed fare increase could cause ridership to dip slightly, to 6.4 million next year, the report suggests.聽
The higher fares, if approved by council, will come into effect on Oct. 1.