Four bus companies licensed to serve Okanagan when departing from Greyhound

It's the end of an era for Greyhound in Western Canada, with the bus company closing its routes across British Columbia. and the Prairies Wednesday night.

Only one route to Western Canada will continue to move between Vancouver and Seattle.

Outside Vernon Station, many are unhappy with the end of the service.

"I think they should have rebadessed the whole thing because there are people like me who need Greyhound, people who do not have a vehicle to get from A to B," Cathy said. Williams.

"Even flying does not take you anywhere in British Columbia," added Arne Ebbeson.

"This only applies to certain areas and you still need Greyhound. It will surely shock a lot of people. "

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However, the company stated that its traffic has dropped by more than 40% in Canada since 2010 and that it can not continue to operate unsustainable routes.

Meanwhile, requests for new businesses to fill vacancies and fill the void have been dealt with quickly.

Up to now, four companies have been licensed to provide services to Okanagan.

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Silver City Stagelines Ltd., located on the trail, will provide service between Nelson and Kelowna via Rock Creek.

A Merritt company, Merritt Shuttle Bus Services, has been authorized to operate a route between Merritt and Kelowna.

Ebus, based in Alberta, will offer trips from Kamloops to Kelowna and Kelowna to Vancouver. Their first buses will start running on Wednesday.

Wilson's Transportation Ltd., based in Victoria, has been authorized to serve the Vancouver-Kelowna route. He is affiliated with the company currently operating the BC Ferries connector.

In Vernon, the only service will be on the Ebus Highway between Kelowna and Kamloops. Starting Wednesday, the bus will stop at the Clock Tower at 32 Avenue. and 31 St. downtown Vernon, but only if the tickets have been reserved in advance.

"Vernon will be on reservation, so we certainly encourage people to book in advance. If no one is booked to go up or down, we will not stop there, "said John Stepovy, EBus Business Development Manager.

In Kelowna, the Ebus stop is at Kelowna International Airport.

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This is also the end of the line for Greyhound Station in Vernon, which is for sale.

The popular restaurant already inside the station is looking to expand and offered to buy the building.

"I'm a little nervous. I am just positive and optimistic that everything is going to work out. We have our offer in and [we are] just go back and forth with Greyhound and try to pick a good number, "said Kristina Klein, owner of Eatology.

The restaurant will continue to operate at its current location until at least the end of December, with its lease being in the Greyhound building.