Photo: Google Street View

West Bench Elementary will host a meeting to discuss public transit in the community.

A possible transit service in the Greater West Bench and Sage Mesa area will be discussed at a meeting open to the public later this month.

On Sept. 18, the Regional District of Okanagan Simikameen Area F will host the discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. at West Bench Elementary School.

“We have an opportunity to explore transit service in Greater West Bench and Sage Mesa but first we need to ensure it is a priority for residents,” says Area F director Riley Gettens. 

“This public meeting will provide information about the potential costs and service levels, and give residents a chance to share their feedback.” 

The estimated cost for the transit service is approximately $15,500 annually, with the cost estimated between $24 and $26 per parcel or approximately $25.52 per average residential property.

It is proposed for 400 annual service hours and will include two to three daily round trips on weekdays beginning in the fall of 2020. The bus would provide connections to regional transit service route 70, which runs from Penticton to Kelowna, as well as other local and regional transit services. 

Feedback on the proposition can be sent to [email protected] with subject line "Greater West Bench/Sage Mesa" for those who can't attend the meeting.