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APRIL 3, 2019 | Volume 32 No. 27
TODAY’S WEATHER Showers High 15 C Low 2 C
WEDNESDAY
TICK TIME TIPS FOR ALL
A MAGIC RUN ENDS
Here is how you can protect yourself from the critters
Kamloops Blazers’ season ends with loss to Victoria Royals
COMMUNITY/A18
SPORTS/A21
Transfers trip up transit fare changes JESSICA WALLACE STAFF REPORTER jessica@kamloopsthisweek.com
GETTING SET TO FLOAT THEIR BOAT
ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW
Paul Blackett and Lisa Mitchell lash an outrigger pontoon with new rope during the Thompson Rivers Interior Paddle Sports Club’s open house at Pioneer Park on Saturday. The club is always welcoming new members. For more information on how you can join the crew on the water, go online to kamloopspaddlers.net.
Kamloops council has decided to take more time to consider proposed changes to transit fees, which include lowering monthly fares and eliminating the transfer system, with the latter to be replaced with a $4 day pass, down a buck from the current daypass fare. The issue among many councillors is elimination of the transfer system, which allows users to board multiple buses for 60 minutes with a $2 fare. The proposal to eliminate transfers also led to an outcry from residents in Kamloops. Coun. Sadie Hunter’s motion to defer any changes until council can further study the issue was approved by council. “Being a spread-out community as we are, there are many routes that require a transfer,” Hunter said. “To me, I struggle with removing that as an option given that’s most often required.” Coun. Arjun Singh had concerns about making a decision without understanding fully the socio-economic impacts on the city’s low-income residents.
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Coun. Kathy Sinclair said users want the options of taking transit one direction, without wanting to buy a day pass. “I think we’re really trying to encourage multi-modal transportation,” she said. Coun. Mike O’Reilly said he wants to better understand the city’s costrecovery percentage. Transit user Jesse Ritcey, who appeared before council to express concern over his transit fares doubling under the new rules, said he is glad to hear council will seek out more consultation. He said the proposed elimination of transfers would negatively impact the casual bus user. He was curious to hear of the possibility of lowering the day pass. Council heard the day pass could be lowered to $2. What it would cost the city, however, is unclear. “That would be fantastic,” Ritcey said. Council also heard staff will be bringing forward information in the future about an affordable-transportation option, though no additional details were provided. See ALIGNMENT, A6
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