B.C. Transit has added two more return trips daily between UBC Okanagan and Vernon, effective Feb. 12 to April 26.
The extra weekday runs of the No. 90 UBCO Connector will leave Vernon at 9 a.m. and noon, and return from UBCO at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The route, introduced in July 2008, "has proven to be a vital and valued service with buses often running at full capacity," said B.C. Transit spokeswoman Meribeth Burton.
"The two extra trips will better serve residents who choose public transit to commute to school and work."
North Okanagan Regional District politicians have been looking for cost-effective solutions
to address capacity issues. Last month, a midday trip at 1 p.m. was added by cancelling the lesser-used 6 p.m. run.
"The extra runs will benefit Vernon, as well as the other communities in the North Okanagan," said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
"This is a great example of local governments and B.C. Transit working together to ensure we have an efficient transit system for customers. The UBCO Connector route is very popular and the extra bus service is most appreciated."
"More than 8,300 students attend the university's Kelowna campus so this bus route is a valued service for students who are commuting each day," added Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick.
"We look forward to the transit users' input on these new times," said Patrick Nicol, chairman of the NORD board.
An independent B.C. Transit review in 2012 called for action from all parties to strengthen the partnership between B.C. Transit and local governments, noted Burton.
"These additional transit runs are a good example of how this improved partnership is working."
On the first B.C. Family Day on Monday, Kelowna Transit will operate on its Sunday schedule.
For more information, ask a driver for a rider's guide, go online to bctransit.com/regions/kel or call 250-860-8121.