Transit

Yes! However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Our city buses can accommodate up to 24 seated passengers and 14 standing passengers.
• Teachers/Adults must purchase a standard fare, students 12 years old and under can travel for free.
• Children under 12 years old must have a seat and cannot stand while the bus is in motion.

Since public transit operates on a first-come, first-served basis, seats cannot be reserved, and buses may have other passengers on board, which could further limit available space.

The City recommends: 
Reviewing your travel plan in advance and arriving early to improve your chances of securing seats together 

Trips must use the regularly scheduled transit service and teachers should consult the Vernon Regional Transit website to plan their schedule. If you have any questions email csbreception@vernon.ca

Schools Outside of Vernon

The District of Coldstream and the Regional District of the North Okanagan have also adopted the Class Rides Free program for schools in their regions. Schools located outside of Vernon should contact their local government for information on how to apply.

Bus Etiquette for Students

Classes will be sharing the bus with other Vernon Regional Transit riders and are expected to behave in a courteous manner. Please note that Vernon Regional Transit buses can accommodate a maximum of 23 seated passengers plus 14 standing passengers. During busy times, classes may have to split their group or wait for the next bus. Students are expected to:

• Give up their seats for passengers who need to sit.
• Not stand in the doorways.
• Not eat or drink on the bus.
• Use inside voices when speaking and headphones when listening to music.

Teachers should review these expectations with their students before the trip. Visit kidsridethebus.com to access BC Transit’s resources, activities, lesson plans, and videos designed for K-5 educators to help prepare your students for their bus ride.

Accessible Transit

BC Transit has made large-scale improvements in accessibility. A key is to provide transit services tailored to individual’s needs and abilities.
• Fixed-Route: 100% of buses are low-floor accessible
• handyDART: Ramp and lift-equipped mini buses

Learn more about accessibility on the Vernon Regional Transit website. 

handyDART

handyDART is an accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person.

Learn more about and how to register for the program here. 

BC Transit offers hundreds of routes across the province that will get you off the couch and into the wild, even in your own hometown. There are family-friendly or adventure-seeking itineraries for trips in locations across BC, including the Okanagan. Visit ExploreBCbyBus.com for more info. 

Residents and visitors who wish to travel to and from Vernon by bus have several options. Interregional public transit service is available through BC Transit with routes to Kelowna, Enderby, Armstrong, Lumby, and Salmon Arm. 

The Route 90 UBCO Connector service operates between Vernon, the Kelowna International Airport, and the UBC Okanagan campus. You can make connections to the Kelowna Regional Transit system at UBC Okanagan Exchange. Vernon Regional Transit monthly and day passes are valid on the Kelowna Transit system at no additional cost. Visit www.bctransit.com/vernon for more information.  

Bus service to Vancouver, Kamloops, and other destinations is available through eBUS.