DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The City of Dawson Creek has added three larger BC Transit buses to its fleet after concerns from parents.
The buses will replace three smaller buses in order to reduce leaving passengers behind, which is known as pass-ups. An issue that many riders were facing over the last few months, especially students.
“Some of the kids were getting passed up at the bus stops, they would only allow 20 people on the bus,” says Chief Administrative Officer Blair Lekstrom.
Last summer, the City made transit system changes, including the bus schedules, and BC Transit reduced seating limits due to public health orders.
After complaints from parents, the City worked together with BC transit and have received three 35-foot buses which will allow for 10 more passengers per bus compared to the previous 27-foot buses.
“What it has done is allowed now for the buses to pick up everybody at a bus stop.”
Prior to receiving the buses, the City also worked with School District #59 asking for schools to open earlier for students.
“It’s a real particular issue in the winter when it’s cold. So, they agreed to do that.”
The district will continue to open early for students this month to accommodate students while transitioning to the new buses.
