Rutland town centre gets a new bus station

KELOWNA – One of the city's largest urban-residential centres is getting hooked up to a rapid, more reliable regional bus system.

Yesterday marked the official opening of the $4.5 million Rutland Transit Exchange, located on Shepherd Road. Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray says it's an investment that is helping the city change its auto-centric reputation.

Not only does the new exchange give area residents direct access to the RapidBus Service, with more frequent schedules during peak hours (buses arriving every 15 minutes), but is also a centrepiece in the Rutland Revitalization project.

With pedestrian-friendly streetscaping, seating areas and decorative lighting the exchange brings an attractive, well-lit public space to the Rutland town centre.

Gray says upgrades to the associated roadways and creation of a pedestrian corridor along Dougall Road, "have made a tremendous improvement for the Rutland community, residents and businesses."

The addition of three new fuel-efficient Vicinity buses to Kelowna's transit system was also announced. The smaller, sleekly designed buses will provide community transit and assist those with mobility challenges.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.