Political split as West K rejects Kelowna’s affordable transit plan

A political split has emerged between West Kelowna and Kelowna over a proposed Affordable Transit Pass.

Kelowna is leading an initiative to offer a 50 per cent discount for eligible residents to ride the bus and wanted West Kelowna to take part.

However, a majority of West Kelowna councillors have rejected the idea because Kelowna did not work collaboratively with its regional district partners on the idea.

The pilot project will cost Kelowna taxpayers around $235,000 in lost transit revenue and administrative costs for the first year. The cost for West Kelowna would have been around $25,000 and the city’s staff had recommended council endorse the plan.