A report from BC Transit has recommended a simplification in rates for the local bus system and minor alterations in current routing and scheduling.
During its Dec. 6 meeting, Clearwater town council approved the changes.
Council also directed staff to work with BC Transit to implement the rate changes, which are expected to come into effect next spring.
Under the proposed changes, the present rate structure, which has fares of $1.50, $2 and $2.50 depending on how many zones are crossed, would be simplified to a flat $2 fare.
Books of 10 tickets would be available for $18.
Clearwater and area transit fares have not changed since the service was implemented in 1998, the report noted.
The proposed service option would include several changes to the current transit system.
These would include simplifying the routing variations serving Blackpool into one consistent route.
Noon service to Mountainview and Greer would be reallocated to provide on request service to Wyndhaven, Sunshine Valley and lower Blackpool.
The Clearwater community loop would be integrated into the rest of the transit system and streamlined to focus on key destinations and higher ridership areas.
Additional running time would be included on key trips that have been facing on-time performance issues.
The 10 Valley Connector provides service between Blue River, Avola, Vavenby, Clearwater, Blackpool, Little Fort, Barriere and Kamloops. A second weekly round trip was added in 2014.
The service averages about 22 passengers per round trip, with the majority of the riders from Clearwater and Barriere.
No changes are recommended for the service until capacity becomes an ongoing issue.
Clearwater and area transit service is operated by Yellowhead Community Services with funding from BC Transit, District of Clearwater and Thompson-Nicola Regional District.