RE: LETTER: Advice for Silvercity Stagelines, March 1
Regarding our bus service between the West Kootenay and Kelowna, we appreciate the feedback from the recent open letter to the editor from a local citizen, and thank you for the opportunity to expand upon a few of the points.
Like most transportation companies we do not offer refunds, however we do offer a re-scheduling at no additional cost. As well, booked tickets can be transferred to a friend or family member.
Since 2018 we have not cancelled any scheduled trips. We understand this community and know that many rely on us for travel to medical treatments, schooling, flights, as well as people not comfortable driving the Paulson Pass.
We chose the Nelson Visitors Centre as our new Nelson pick-up and drop-off location. We understand that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, however the feedback from many passengers is that they feel safe and appreciate the benches and covered area while waiting, unlike transit stops where there is neither.
Passengers are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to the departure time of 6:20 a.m. and the bus arrives at 6:15 a.m. to load, thus limiting the time anyone would be waiting outside. It is also very handy when dropping off tourists on our return trip from Kelowna (15 per cent of our passengers are tourists) and they can walk into the Visitor’s Centre to access immediate information.
We have operated this route since 2018 with a perfect safety record and have transported more than 18,000 passengers in this time. We understand that there is always room for improvement and appreciate Malcolm Low’s letter to reflect on. Should any readers have follow up questions we can be reached during business hours by text at 778-760-1891.
Sarah Joyce
Silvercity Stagelines Ltd.
Nelson