Fare difference really sad

Photo: Contributed

A discrepancy in fares charged for handyDART users compared with conventional transit users has drawn the ire of one councillor.

Charlie Hodge says he finds the fact the segment of the population which requires the special service has been asked to pay between $5 and $30 more for a monthly pass.

"How did that ever get to be? I just don;t understand how that...," asked Hodge.

"Somebody should have smacked whoever was on that term with me, because I would never have approved that myself."

While the price for a one way trip ($2.50) is the same for both handyDART and conventional transit, the difference is in monthly and ticket sheet purchases.

A monthly pass on conventional transit is $70 for adults and $45 for seniors. handyDART users pay $75 across the board.

Transit and programs manager Jerry Dombowsky told council staff have been aware of the price differential for some time, and appeared before council Monday to rectify the discrepancy.

"Normally, we would address this at fare review where we look at all types of fares and fare products, however, we don't anticipate that occurring for some time." said Dombowsky.

"Typically, they happen every four to five years, or after some major change such as a service expansion that would warrant looking at our cost recovery again."

He added this type of inconsistency is not uncommon across the province.

The new fare structure will be implemented once other jurisdictions within Kelowna Regional Transit also approve the measure.