BC Transit and the City of Kamloops are rolling out service enhancements and updated fare prices this fall, aiming to improve accessibility and meet increased demand as the new school year begins.

Starting September 2, 2025, expanded service will be introduced to handyDART, the door-to-door accessible transit system for people with disabilities. For the first time, handyDART will operate on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and statutory holidays will now have service that matches the city’s fixed-route schedule.

“This is a permanent change that we’re really excited about,” said Daynika White, Government Relations Manager at BC Transit. “HandyDART is a critical service for many people who rely on it to access appointments, run errands, or visit family. By extending service to Sundays and holidays, we’re making sure they have reliable transportation every day of the week.”

The expansion is being funded through a combination of local and provincial support, with a total estimated cost of $184,000 annually, shared between the City of Kamloops and BC Transit. The initiative is backed by increased funding in the 2025–26 provincial budget, reinforcing the province’s commitment to accessible and reliable public transit.

Fare Increases Take Effect September 1

Alongside the service improvements, Kamloops Transit fares will be increasing for the first time since 2011, effective September 1, 2025. The fare changes follow a review process approved by Kamloops City Council in May.

Despite the increase, BC Transit is encouraging riders to continue using tools like the Umo app and Google Transit for trip planning and real-time updates.

Increased School Year Service

The fall schedule will also bring increased weekday frequency on routes serving Thompson Rivers University and local K–12 schools, to accommodate the seasonal bump in ridership.

Looking ahead, additional service improvements are planned for January 2026, including updates to routes 1, 3, and 7, coinciding with the arrival of three new buses for Kamloops Transit.

“These changes reflect our commitment to building a transit system that works for everyone,” White added. “Whether you’re a student, a senior, or someone who relies on handyDART, we’re investing in service where it’s needed most.”