Along with an increase in BC Transit service levels in Kamloops next month, there will some changes to bus fares.

BC Transit Communications Manager Jonathon Dyck says a new $4 day pass will replace bus transfers and scratch-off day passes.

He says the changes will reduce conflicts between passengers and drivers.

“Somebody gets on the bus and says, oh my transfer says I should be able to ride till 1:30 p.m., and it’s 1:35 or 1:40, and they try to negotiate with the driver, that can cause conflict,” he said. “The day pass system has already been implemented in Victoria and we’ve seen huge successes from it.”

Student and senior bus tickets will see a $2.50 price increase to $18 for 10 tickets. Adult monthly passes will decrease by $3 to $50 and student/senior monthly pass will decrease by $4 to $30.

“Part of this whole exercise is simplifying the fare structure,” Dyck noted. “When we have a lot of products out there and a lot of different prices for those products that people get confused and it’s not an easy system to utilize. This will really help the system overall and bring it into alignment with guidelines that we have.”

People will be able to buy a day pass on board the bus for $4 or two buck tickets, which will allow anyone to ride within the Kamloops Transit System.

Dyck notes Handy DART fares will not be affected, and the changes are expected to bring in an additional $191,000 to the city.

Several residents voiced their concerns to council back in May, saying the elimination of transfers would increase their monthly transit costs.