Transit travel training
The City of Kelowna delivered a transit travel training pilot program for middle and high school youth as well as adults aged 50 and over between summer of 2020 and 2021.
Participants learned about a variety of aspects of public transit, including:
- accessing and using fare products
- boarding and riding the bus
- reading schedules
- planning trips using various available tools
The program aimed to encourage public transit use and enhance personal mobility. The mobility that public transit provides creates opportunities to engage with your community for volunteering, socializing, sport and health, as well as for shopping and access to employment and education.
The orientation was made available via an online video and, when conditions permitted, in-person sessions. After the orientation, Participants received helpful resources, including complimentary transit fare products, to use to explore the Kelowna Regional Transit System. Those who agreed to participate in a follow-up survey were entered into a draw to win monthly transit passes.
The program final report details outcomes of this pilot program.
Online Video-based Transit Orientation
A video that introduced a variety of aspects of the Kelowna Regional Transit System was developed to provide an alternative to in-person training during the pandemic. After signing up, registrants were provided a link to view the Transit Travel Training video (now publicly viewable). Participants received helpful resources, complimentary transit fare products, and had an opportunity to complete a follow-up survey. Survey respondents were entered into a prize draw.
Adult 50+ Orientations
In person Adult 50+ Transit Travel Training orientations were offered to the public as pre-scheduled orientation sessions in coordination with City's Recreation Program team between the summer of 2020 and spring of 2021. Sessions unfortunately were cancelled due to the pandemic.
A Transit Travel Training video was provided in order to provide a resource for those interested in learning more about the Kelowna Regional Transit System from the comfort of their home.
Registration to public orientations are now closed (effective August 15, 2021).
View the video* linked above or this program brochure* to learn more about using the Kelowna Regional Transit System.
Content in these materials may be outdated over time. Please visit www.bctransit.com for the latest system information.
Private orientation session
Various community groups and seniors residences were invited to book private, in-person orientation sessions during which a bus and trainer would visit the facility. Later, facility managers were offered link to the video-based orientation to show to interested residents. The fluctuating situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in most in-person sessions not being able to proceed. One sessions was however provided in the fall of 2020.
Bookings for private orientation session for a seniors' residence , community group or association within the City of Kelowna are now closed (effective August 15, 2021).
View the video* linked above or this program brochure* to learn more about using the Kelowna Regional Transit System.
Content in these materials may be outdated over time. Please visit www.bctransit.com for the latest system information.
Youth Transit Travel Training
The Youth Transit Travel Training program was piloted to all grade 7 students at KLO Middle School and grade 9 students at Rutland Senior Secondary School.
Students viewed the Transit Travel Training video in class and participated in an on-bus training session. They were provided with summary resources and complimentary transit tickets to use to explore the Kelowna Regional Transit System.
If you would like to know more about the Youth Transit Training program, email info@smartTRIPS.ca or call the Transit Service Coordinator at 250-469-8531.
View the video* linked above or this program brochure* to learn more about using the Kelowna Regional Transit System.
Content in these materials may be outdated over time. Please visit www.bctransit.com for the latest system information.
Safety Measures During Transit Orientations
Following provincial public health recommendations and requirements, the following safety measures were in place for all in-person training sessions.
- Registrants were required to complete a pre-session screening form
- Staff wore face coverings at all times, with the exception of when formally presenting and conveying information at a minimum of two metres from participants
- Participants were be required to bring and wear a face covering
- The bus driver sat behind a protective barrier
- Participation was limited to 15 people per session to support physical distancing
- Staff wensured participants are maintaining physical distancing from others
- Hand sanitizer was available
- BC Transit buses and facilities undergo enhanced cleaning and sanitization
Health & safety reminders
You can take preventative measures and actions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of viruses and other infectious illnesses with just a few simple habits:
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- cough and sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands
- stay home when you're sick, even if symptoms are mild
- maintain physical distancing and limit close contact with others
- wear a face covering when physical distancing is not practical
Input from adult participants and families of youth participants is important to the success of the program. A few weeks after training, participants will be asked to complete a short 5-7 minute survey. Those who complete the survey will be entered into draws for free one-month transit passes and gift certificates from local businesses.
For more information, email info@smartTRIPS.ca or call the Transit Service Coordinator at 250-469-8531.
