UPDATE FOR MAY 13, 2025
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Committee of the Whole recommended that Council approve fare increases every two years, in a tiered fashion, until 2029, offering predictability and minimizing sudden impacts on riders. This approach ensures a steady revenue stream, aligns with budget cycles, and requires long-term planning and communication. Coordination with interest holders will be essential for the smooth implementation and careful management to address cumulative ridership impacts.
City staff will work with BC Transit to implement the approved transit fare structure for September 2025. This recommendation will come forward at a future regular Council meeting for further discussion and decision.
The City is conducting a fare review for its transit system and is seeking community input.
The fare review process will assess the current fare structure and corresponding products to support the maintenance and expansion of services, address rising operational expenses, and ultimately benefit the community by providing a reliable and efficient transit system.
Reviewing fares is essential for maintaining and improving transit. Typically, fare reviews are conducted every three to five years. The Kamloops Transit System’s current fare structure has been in place for six years. Fare products, including DayPASS, Monthly Pass, and ProPASS, were reduced in 2019 to align with BC Transit’s Fare guidelines. Since the last fare review, the Kamloops Transit System has seen significant operational cost increases, requiring a fare review. The last time transit fares increased in Kamloops was in 2011.
The City is working with BC Transit to keep service levels aligned with growing demand and is planning additional investments for local transit to improve the frequency of the busiest routes, as well as expand handyDART services.
