Transportation and Travel Resources

BUS SERVICE - BC Transit and local districts may cooperate to offer local bus service - buses run from 6:30am - to 10:00pm - Monday to Saturday, depending on the route - Sunday & Statutory Holidays - 6:30am - 6:30pm, depending on the route - all routes are serviced by low floor buses equipped with a ramp to accommodate wheelchairs KELOWNA REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM Bus Information 24 hours 860-8121 NARAMATA - Transportation to and from Naramata. Bus departs from Wade & Martin St. - Check Penticton Transit for schedule of departure times. 301 Warren Avenue E, Penticton V2A 3M1 492-5602 PENTICTON TRANSIT SYSTEM - Bus routes within Penticton, with daytime and evening service daily, except Sunday Bus Information 492-5602 SUMMERLAND TRANSIT SYSTEM Bus Information 250-490-6145 handyDART 250-...-.... VERNON REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM Bus Information 545-7221 KAMLOOPS TRANSIT Bus Information 24 Hours 376-1216 SOUTH OKANAGAN COMMUNITY BUS - a service for all ages, to any type of health service - travels from Osoyoos & Oliver into Penticton for Tuesdays & Thursdays - Oliver Hospital on Wednesdays - Kelowna Mondays - people are picked up from their home in Osoyoos & Oliver, OK Falls, Penticton & delivered back. Call 495-8054 and leave a message with name, telephone number & date & place of appointment. HANDI-BUS - convenient door-to-door transportation for people with special needs - any person who is unable to use regular transit due to a physical or mental impairment is eligible for handyDART service - passengers must first register with the system - there is no fee for registration - for trips on weekends and on Mondays, call before noon on Friday There are two types of service: - regular subscription trips once a week or more often - one-time trips for purposes such as shopping, social visits, or recreational activities - because handyDART is a shared ride system and demand for the service is great, it is important that passengers cancel any trips that are not required as soon as possible Wheelchairs: - wheelchairs must be safe and well maintained to be carried on handyDART - the design of our buses limits the type of wheelchairs which can be safely transported. To ensure safety: - the wheelchair cannot be larger than the hoist platform - all wheelchairs must have a lap restraint belt and a means of securing the chair in the bus Scooters: - BC Transit policy is to carry scooters, but in the safest possible manner - Ambulatory scooter users are encouraged to transfer to a seat in the bus whenever possible KELOWNA Hours of Operation: -Monday-Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm -Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm 112-2303 Leckie Road, Kelowna, BC 762-3278 PENTICTON Hours of Operation: -Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Community Services Office 325-1301 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5E9 492-5814 VERNON 4210 24th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1M2 549-1366 KAMLOOPS 376-7525 OKANAGAN CONNECTOR INFO CENTRE Box 26042 Peachland, BC V4T 2G3 767-6677 Travel InfoCentre Weekends May - June 7 days a week July & August PEOPLE IN MOTION - addressing the needs of those with physical and sensory disabilities - provide self-help, support for area residents - issues new and renewal Permanent & Temporary Disabled Parking Placards to qualified applicants upon receipt of a completed application (doctor’s approval required) 6E 750 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2B 3X2 phone/tdd 376-4689 or toll free 1-877-414-4241 SPARC OF BC - distributes parking placards to people with disabilities - doctor’s signature required on application - placards available at nominal cost for both permanent and temporary disabilities. Social Planning and Research Council of BC 106-2182 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 2N4 SPARC (604) 718-7733 Parking Permit Program (604) 718-7744 TAXI SAVER PROGRAM - for people with disabilities living in Summerland, Kelowna, Vernon & Kamloops. This program allows passengers to use coupons for taxi travel by booking directly with a participating taxi company, without having to pre-plan the trip. Taxi Saver coupons are sold by local handyDART offices to any adult who has been issued a BC Transit HandyPass. A person is eligible for a HandyPass if he or she has a physical or mental disability which prevents the use of regular public transit. Contact your Local handyDART operator for more information. TRAVEL TIPS You may wish to check with a travel speciality shop for ideas on your wardrobe and accessories. Co-ordinate with mix and match clothing - think about those items that roll up to fit into your tote. - a travel organizer is great for holding accessories - some fold up to double as a pillow - always prepare check-list to suit the needs of your trip: clothing - mix and match only...- rainwear - jackets - suit - dress - blouses - pants - sweaters - T-shirts - swim suits accessories - handbags - jewelry - umbrella - "cheap" sunglasses - belts, scarves, ties lingerie - slips - bras - underwear - camisole - hosiery - sleep wear medicine - prescriptions - Tiger Balm - blood pressure machine - laxative - anti-diarrhea for water changes, misc. - camera equipment - eyeglasses - binoculars documents - passports - vaccination certificates - jewelry , camera, verification for Customs - avoid unforeseen problems ... always okay your valuables, such as camera, etc. with Customs - stay away from hair dryers, irons, and plugs, if possible - you can get along without them! TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS- carry as little money as possible...use credit cards and travellers cheques - do keep in mind that thieves frequent airports, bus terminals and train stations...they are always on lookout for an unsuspecting traveller - so beware! - a sure sign that you are nervous about your pocket book, etc. is to keep tapping spot where you keep it - pack luggage only when you leave resort or motel - never pack it and leave it standing - you may wish to take your own lock for motel doors, drawers, closets, etc small door alarms are also excellent deterrent AIR TRAVEL Major Canadian airlines offer savings in several ways for travel within Canada SENIOR CITIZENS FARE - for seniors 65 and over - reduction from regular fare and varies depending on destination and how far in advance you book EXCURSION FARE - must be booked at least 14 days in advance and there are restrictions regarding length of stay, etc. - reduced rate for seniors - special diets available if ordered in advance - wheelchairs available with assistance of company personnel Be sure to check best rate for you, e.g. excursion fare may be cheaper than senior citizens fare. BUS TRAVEL GREYHOUND - offers 10% discount on regular fares to seniors 65 and over - ask for seniors discount at time of purchase GREYHOUND LINES OF CANADA After hours Passenger Info - Daily 1-800-661-8747 KELOWNA 2366 Leckie Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 6X2 Passenger Fares & Schedule Information 860-3835 WESTBANK 2565 Hwy 97S 768-0122 WINFIELD 10550 Hwy 97N 766-4448 KEREMEOS 603-7th Avenue 499-5833 OKANAGAN FALLS 5129-9th Ave 497-5381 OLIVER 9724-360th Avenue 498-2626 OSOYOOS 5907 Main Street 495-7252 PENTICTON 307 Ellis 493-4101 SUMMERLAND 13415 Rosedale 494-8009 ARMSTRONG 12-3350 Smith 546-8376 ENDERBY 706 Cliff Avenue 838-7404 VERNON 3102-30th Street 545-0527 KAMLOOPS 725 Notre Dame 374-1212 BARRIERE 397 Yellowhead Hwy 672-5624 CACHE CREEK 1064 S Trans-Canada Hwy 457-6232 CHASE 421 Shuswap 679-3167 MERRITT 1101 McFarlane 378-2335 CAMPGROUNDS - for BC seniors, provincial campground rates are reduced 50% from Labour Day to June 14th - full fees are required during the peak season - must be over the age of 65 and a BC resident MINISTRY OF PARKS Okanagan Lake Provincial Park Hwy 97 11 kilometres north of Summerland, BC 494-6500 PARKS CANADA - you can avoid line-ups at the gates when you purchase your passes ahead of time at a Parks Canada Service Centre - you can order your passes by phone, using a major credit card - within the parks, you can purchase passes at visitor centres, staffed campgrounds - fees are subject to regulatory approval - children under 6 free 5th Floor, Harry Hays Bldg, 220-4th Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta Call Toll Free 1-800-748-7275 CRUISE TRAVEL The following hints are presented to help you enjoy your cruise to the fullest! DRESS - plan at least three ensembles: - daytime wear - sportswear - evening wear - ladies -‘separates’ offer flexibility...one skirt can be the basis for many daytime and evening ensembles, with a change of blouse and accessories aboard ship, informal dress is appropriate: - suggestions for the ladies - whatever you would select for a daytime get-together at home - sun dresses, slacks, shorts, blouses - suggestions for the gentlemen - slacks, sport shirts, comfortable shoes - for outdoor wear on deck, let comfort set the pace - slacks, beach robes, deck shoes or other footwear with non-skid soles, two swim suits - for shore excursions, wear informal, comfortable clothing - slacks, sun dresses, skirts, pant suits, well-fitting, low-heeled shoes - for evening and cocktail time - ladies - cocktail dresses - occasionally, evening dresses men - suits - sports jackets - some prefer evening dress which usually includes dinner jacket, white shirt with soft or starched collar, cummerbund and dark trousers - coats and ties are suggested at dinner and in all public rooms after 6:00pm on most ships, but no strictly formal clothing is required - watch the daily program for suggested dress - a costume and/or head-dress party is a gala feature on many cruises - if you would like to participate, you may want to bring along some accessories - most ships carry supplies for “do-it-yourself’ projects OTHER ITEMS - small first aid kit, manicure set, sewing kit (with few extra buttons and small pair of scissors), shoe polishing kit, dry cleaner, soap powder or detergent, small clothes line, few plastic clothes pins, couple of wash cloths, cake of favorite soap, couple of plastic bags for soiled or damp laundry - most modern ships offer 110 volt electricity suitable for small hand-held dryers and curling irons; electrical outlets will handle electric shavers-however, it’s wise to bring along a safety razor for emergencies - many travellers use a two-bag plan: - one large, soft bag of the “Val-Pac” type or a closet-type clothing bag for dresses, blouses, skirts, slacks, jackets and evening wear ... separate garments with layers of tissue in the soft bag and use its corners and holes for stuffing stockings, gloves and other accessories that won’t suffer from losing their press - one large two-suitor suitcase for heavier items ... shoes, brushes, transistor radios, walk-mans, cosmetics (put bottled liquids into a leakproof bag) - for any item you just may forget, you can probably purchase it at the ship’s gift shop TIPPING - customary at the end of the cruise - Cabin Steward and Dining Room Steward, Bus Boys, Bar Steward, Wine Steward, the Maitre d’ or Headwaiter may be tipped, based on how attentive they are to you or if they provided any special services - carry your funds in the form of travellers cheques, personal cheques are not accepted on board ship; to eliminate the need to carry cash on board, you will most probably be able to sign for your purchases during the cruise and “settle” your account the last day - during your cruise, meetings will be held to inform you about ports, availability of optional shore excursions, and details about debarkation and custom procedures FERRY TRAVEL BC Ferry Corporation offers free passage to seniors age 65 and over, on most routes - Monday through Thursday, except statutory holidays, exceptions apply - applies to passenger fares only - regular fare charged for vehicle - proof of age may be required, e.g. Gold CareCard BC FERRY CORPORATION 1112 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4V2 Toll free 1-888-223-3779 VIA RAIL - offers 10% discount on regular fare to seniors age 65 and over, applies to basic transportation only - berths, meals, etc. charged regular rate - persons not able to take care of own personal needs can take assistant with them at no extra charge - advise VIA of needs and carry card from recognized association or a medical certificate - wheelchair passengers lifted on board - persons with speech or hearing impairments have access to information and reservations through “RESERVA” by linking home TTY or “VISUAL EAR” (Telus) directly with VIA’s TTY system TTY Only Toll Free 1-800-268-9503 Information/Reservations 1-800-561-8630 WEST COAST RAILWAY ASSOCIATION The association is registered, non-profit group of railway enthusiasts - offers low cost trips - mainly day trips by train - also, extensive railway excursions throughout BC (including Vancouver Island) and Washington State - trips can be arranged for private groups - rebuild and restore vintage and historic railway equipment (including steam engines) - membership ($20) open to all - visitors welcome - meet 7:30pm, last Tuesday of each month in VIA station, Vancouver - phone for brochure of upcoming trips - leave your name and number (if tape is on answer phone) to ensure a call-back PO Box 2790, Vancouver, BC V6B 3X2 604-524-1011 TRAVEL AGENTS Your local travel agency can provide information for your trip. They offer specialized services and can look after all those details that cost you time and energy! TRAVEL INSURANCE Out of province medical facilities are not bound to recognize the rates and schedules of our BC Health & Hospital Plan. Medical costs in places like the USA, (a popular place for Snowbirds) are often much higher than in BC - ensure unexpected out-of-province hospital and medical costs are covered before you leave by: - single trip Travel Accident policy - annual Travel Accident policy - which may be advantageous if you make frequent short trips to the USA - premiums are usually based on length of time you are out of the province and your age (unfortunately the older you are the more it costs) - most policies have restrictions or exclusions with respect to “pre-existing” conditions and age limitations - ensure your Broker is aware of any medical conditions you may have - coverages are available on an annual basis or on a per trip basis CANADIAN RESIDENTS RETURNING TO CANADA When you return to Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption which includes duty free shopping purchases. Personal exemptions allow you to bring goods of a certain value and quantity into the country without paying duties. What are the exemptions? Absence of 24 hours or more - You can claim goods (except tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) worth up to $50 in total - If the goods you bring in are worth more than $50 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, you have to pay duties on the full value Absence of 48 hours or more - You can claim goods worth up to $200 in total. The goods can include tobacco products and alcohol. Absence of 7 days or more You can claim goods worth up to $750 in total. These goods can include tobacco products and alcohol. To calculate the number of days you are absent, do not include the date you leave Canada but include the date you return. It is dates that matters, not times. Who is eligible for these exemptions? - a Canadian resident returning from a trip abroad - a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country or - a temporary resident of Canada A parent or guardian can make a customs declaration for young children and infants as long as the goods being declared are for the child’s use. All goods purchased, received as gifts or acquired in any manner while outside Canada and at Duty Free Stores must be reported, whether or not they are claimed as part of your personal exemption. You cannot combine your personal exemption with another person’s or transfer them to someone else. In all cases, goods you include in your $50 or $200 exemption have to accompany you. With the exception of alcohol and tobacco, goods you claim under the $750 exemption may precede or follow you by mail or other means. Goods such as firearms, other weapons, drugs and articles from endangered species may be restricted or controlled, or may require a special permit. Before travelling abroad with valuable items, have them listed with their serial numbers on a wallet-sized card called Form Y38, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. We cannot list jewelry on this form because it often has significant value and can be difficult to identify. For further information regarding the identification of jewelry contact your local customs office. Tobacco and Alcohol New duty on tobacco products included in your personal exemption - Cigarettes: $11.50 per carton of 200 (5¢ each) - Tobacco sticks: $8.50 per carton of 200 (3.5¢ each) - Loose tobacco: $7.50 per 200 grams (3¢ per gram) You must be 19 years or older to import the following: Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco. Alcohol: up to 1.14 litres (40 ounces) liquor, or 1.5 litres wine, or 24x355ml (12ounce) cans or bottles (8.3 litres) of beer or ale. Gifts Under certain conditions, while you are abroad, you can send gifts duty free and tax free to friends in Canada. Each gift has to be worth $60 or less and cannot be alcohol, tobacco, or advertising matter. If a gift is worth more than $60, the recipient will have to pay regular duties on the excess amount. It is always a good idea to include a gift card to avoid any misunderstanding. While gifts you send from abroad do not count as part of your personal exemption, gifts you bring back do. CANADA CUSTOMS & REVENUE AGENCY 15-5533 Kelowna Airport Kelowna, BC V1V 1S1 491-5176 Recorded Information Toll Free 1-800-461-9999 RR2, S30, C14, Penticton, BC V2A 6J7 Penticton Airport 770-4464

 

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