Kelowna residents can learn more and ask questions about future travel needs in the city including added transit capacity and a gradual transition from express buses to light rail between downtown and Mission.
The city is sharing its analysis of the Richter Corridor Study (RCS) and residents can find out more between Oct. 30 and Nov. 17 through the city's website.
“The number of trips within central Kelowna could more than double by 2040 and the city must plan proactively to manage this future demand effectively,” said Cameron Noonan, transportation planner. “Adding a rapid transit corridor with dedicated lanes along Richter Street will make getting around easier and more sustainable, while also supporting new housing and jobs.”
Richter Corridor Study map. Image | City of Kelowna
Several alignments for a north-south transit corridor were explored, including options on Pandosy Street according to a City of Kelowna media release. Richter was chosen because it’s closer to more people and jobs, has the highest projected use, and would have less impact on vehicle traffic compared to other options.
“The RCS is a long-range planning project focused on moving people more quickly, efficiently, and sustainably between major destinations,” the media release states.
Transit improvement would occur Incrementally and depend on how housing and transit ridership grow along the corridor, according to the RCS.
"This will start with express bus service on Richter Street then adding bus-only lanes and protecting space for rail in the future."
Bus-only lanes would be added to Richter by paving the existing gravel shoulder, and Richter St. and Lakeshore Road would be gradually widened as re-development occurs. Those improvements would happen over the next 15 years with light rail installed after 2040. The next steps in the study include a concept design, final report, and gradual implementation.
Types of dedicated lanes as shown in the Richter Corridor Study. Image | City of Kelowna
In July, Councillor Gord Lovegrove, who teaches in UBCO’s School of Engineering, released a feasibility study of an electric passenger train that could travel between Osoyoos and Kamloops.
More information on the RCS is available on the City of Kelowna website.