Kimberley city staff are recommending council approve Option Four, the “Phased Approach,” in the Kimberley Transit System Fare Review Report from BC Transit.
Option Four calls for a 50-cent increase to single-ride fares and introduction of a monthly pass priced at $80 in 2026. It would be followed by further increases in 2028, including an additional 50-cent rise to single-ride fares, bringing the total increase to $1 from the current fare. The monthly pass would rise to $92 in 2028.
Of the five options presented to council, Option Four combines elements of Options Two and Three. Option Two proposed a small fare increase, while Option Three aligned fare increases with inflation.
Staff recommend option four because its balanced approach of combining the choices, meeting in the middle to provide reasonable alternatives and outcomes.
A small fare increase at first is less jarring to residents then immediately increasing fares to correspond with inflation. While also giving residents lots of notice and preparation of the end goal to increase fares to align with inflation.
Troy Pollock, Kimberley’s manager of planning services, said the phased approach offers the best balance among the options. He acknowledged council’s concerns about how monthly passes could affect revenue but said the convenience for regular users is significant.
“We are recommending the phased approach because we view that as the best balance of all of the options to consider. We know that many customers have been requesting a monthly pass option and there’s always a lot of uncertainty about how much that will actually get used or what the revenue impacts of that are gonna be on the system overall.” Said Pollock
Pollock also shares how transit operating costs continue to rise and transit fares have not increased since 2013, so the cost recovery rate has diminished. Kimberley’s current fare rates are lower than similar systems in other jurisdictions.
“The fact that it’s been quite some time since the fares have been adjusted at all, you know I think they’re definitely is some Merit in increasing those fares, but it’s also trying to recognize that maybe we can soften the blow a bit by phasing that increase in over a two year period.” Pollock added.
Mayor Don McCormick said residents should remember that all fare revenue returns to the community.
“Just a reminder that 100% of the revenues coming in go to the city of Kimberley”. Said McCormick.
Councillor Jason McBain shares the approval of monthly passes, along with concerns of revenue but thinks the option could push progress along for the local transit system, taking more cars off the road.
“I think we kind of wanna push the envelope. I think we want to make the message even more clear about needing more ridership so I think if the buses are packed, that’s still a good sign. I share your concerns on that revenue part but I think the more people that use this, it does force the hand a little bit more to say hey these buses are at capacity and we can’t stuff any more people on them, we need a few more routes, and if the monthly thing helps to do that while providing some convenience, I think that’s great.” said McBain.
Councillor Kevin Dunneback is fond of the monthly pass idea presented, and also has an idea to supplement revenue through advertising on buses.
“I just want to say I love the idea of a monthly pass for all the people that are living day to day, so they can budget that in. The one thing that I notice as I see buses driving around all the time through town is I just see three blank canvases that I feel could be sold and collect revenue for advertising for local businesses. Linking BC transit with local business, I think it is a huge missed revenue opportunity, and you could actually make more with a rotating revenue coming from local businesses.” said Dunneback.
Council and Mayor McCormick also brought up bus capacity questions on the commuter route from Kimberley to Cranbrook, but Daynika White from BC Transit stated they are looking to increase capacity for the route.
“You are correct that the Kimberly Cranbrook commuter is often nearing capacity, which is why we are seeking expansion funding from the province to increase service on that route to add additional trips in the morning and the evening.” said White.
If council approves the recommended option, it can adjust the implementation timeline. Midhat Malik of BC Transit said the changes could be implemented about 12 weeks after council’s decision.
“In terms of timeline we’d be looking to do a marketing campaign over the spring to ensure that residents are aware of the change and know that it’s happening, so it doesn’t take anyone by surprise. So we’d be at the earliest looking to implement a fare change in June, but it could certainly be later.” said Malik.
Staff said the proposed two-year timeline would help improve cost recovery, support service expansion and maintain affordability for riders.
