Kelowna’s transit costs set to rise by nearly $2 million

Kelowna taxpayers will see the city’s share of regional transit costs increase by about $1.92 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The increase covers Kelowna’s portion of the Kelowna Regional Transit Service, which provides conventional and custom transit across the Central Okanagan.

The city’s transit contribution rose by about $1.3 million in the previous year, helped by increased revenue following a transit fare increase. The latest increase is being attributed to rising operating expenses, including fixed costs, fleet maintenance and BC Transit management services.

Some costs have declined, including fuel expenses and ICBC insurance costs, as the transit system continues its shift toward electric buses.