Transit bus released from impound after driver caught drunk

Photo: Rob Gibson

A Kelowna transit bus is out of impound after its driver was allegedly caught drunk behind the wheel.

A Kelowna Transit bus briefly impounded after its driver was allegedly caught drunk behind the wheel over the weekend is back in service. 

BC Transit spokesman Jonathon Dyck said Thursday afternoon ICBC has approved the release of the bus from the Mario's Towing yard on Sexsmith Rd.

“We did not miss any service because of the bus being impounded, however we are thankful to have it back to provide service for our customers,” Dyck said, adding the transit authority internal investigation into the incident is still underway.

Typically, a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition comes with a month-long stay at the impound lot for the associated vehicle. Legislation, however, allows for vehicle owners to appeal to recover the vehicle if they were not operating the vehicle at the time of the 90-day IRP.

Kelowna RCMP were called by a concerned passenger on the bus at around 1:35 a.m. Sunday.

Officers located the bus near the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Burtch Road and conducted a roadside sobriety test which determined the driver showed significant signs of impairment.

"Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident," Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said at the time. “This passenger is commended for noticing an issue and reporting it immediately.”

The 52-year-old bus driver was issued a 90-day IRP, but will likely not face criminal charges. His name has not been released.