BC Transit announces Kootenay West paratransit service contract awarded to Nelson Transit
By The Nelson Daily Staff
BC Transit announced Wednesday, that effective April 1, 2024, the rural transit service in the West Kootenay Transit System will be provided by the City of Nelson.
BC Transit said in a media release that the City of Nelson was direct awarded the contract, following years of demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service and the new contract will better align transit services in the region and provide more service continuity for our customers.
The following routes will be serviced by the City of Nelson:
- 10 North Shore
- 14 Blewett
- 15 Perrier
- 20 Slocan Valley
- 51 Nakusp-Hot Springs
- 52 Nakusp-Playmor
- 53 Nakusp-Edgewood
- 57 Kaslo Local
- 58 Kaslo Argenta
- 72 Salmo-Nelson via Ymir
- 74 Nakusp-Nelson
- 76 Kaslo-Nelson
- 99 Kootenay Connector
The City of Nelson, under the Nelson Transit umbrella, currently services routes to Balfour, Castlegar and within the City of Nelson — including the Rosemont, Fairview and Uphill districts.
BC Transit said that bus service in the West Kootenay Region will not be impacted by this change in operating companies.
BC Transit extended a thank you to the former operator, NextGen Transit, for their commitment to providing service in the West Kootenay Transit System.
BC Transit said NextGen Transit will continue to operate service until March 31, and all unionized NextGen Transit employees currently working in Kootenay West Paratransit will be offered comparable roles with the City of Nelson.
