YLW Connection - Spring 2009 - (Page 14)

Alternate Transportation Initiatives at Kelowna International Airport E nvironmental stewardship and a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a driving force at Kelowna International Airport. public transit to get to and from Kelowna International, parking rates are changing. Where the maximum long-term lot fee was $5 dollars a day, it now is $8 with a weekly maximum of $42. It represents a 20% increase on the weekly maximum. The short-term lot used to charge $20 for any vehicle left overnight, but that is dropping to $12 now. Frequent users though can take advantage of a new Gold Pass Program offering a pre-paid monthly fee of $119. Driver and vehicle identification is monitored though to ensure only the purchaser is using the service. A new “cell call lot” concept is being introduced in an effort to stop people driving A 2007 independent Green House Gas study monitoring total emissions determined 29,759.6 tonnes of CO2 were produced from all operations including the terminal, all vehicle traffic, all aircraft operating in airport vicinity, garbage, paper use and all tenants. Of that, 28% came directly from the public driving to and from the airport or 8,310 tonnes of CO2. Terminal operations accounted for 5%, with tenants like Air Canada, WestJet, Kelowna Flightcraft and Carson Air making up the majority or 67%. “Most airports in Canada conducting a greenhouse gas study don’t include the public impact in their figures,” stated Deputy Director, Airport Operations, Dave Fuller. “We decided it was necessary because the public are part of our overall business and that number is a benchmark to improve upon.” In 2008, a Parking Demand Management Study focused on finding ways to provide top level service to traveling passengers, while implementing programs to reduce the airports overall carbon footprint. The study also addressed an imbalance in use of parking at the airport between the short-term and long-term lots. It also indicated a need to recognize the frequent traveler use. The Airport Advisory Board and Kelowna City Council has since approved a plan designed to significantly reduce the impact of the public on airport greenhouse gas emissions; balance the use of two parking lots; and provide some innovative pricing strategies for parking. “Our first priority was to stop paving,” adds Fuller. “We have enough parking spaces now to service our passenger growth to 1.6 million a year. The goal now is reducing the overall automobile traffic at the airport, one aspect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions we can control.” Convincing patrons to use alternate transportation is the key resulting in a myriad of new initiatives going into effect. “We really are the Interior BC Regional International Airport,” reasoned Fuller. “Passengers and goods from the U.S. border to Salmon Arm, Revelstoke and points north and from Merritt to the West Kootenay region rely on us. We are cognizant of their needs and realize convincing more of the local traffic to use alternate forms of transportation will make more room for travelers from distant locations while also reducing emissions.” In an effort to encourage more people to use taxis, limos, airport shuttle services and “Overall, we have an aggressive campaign to cut emissions and we believe the traveling public will help us succeed in achieving our goal of reducing our carbon footprint.” 14 YLW CONNECTION

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of YLW Connection - Spring 2009

YLW Connection - Spring 2009
Contents
Airport Services
YLW Well Prepared for the Challenges of a Turbulent Economy
Connect with Calgary
Bird and Wildlife Management at YLW
Horizon Air - How Ambitious is Your Travel Check List?
YLW Supports the Environment
Alternate Transportation Initiatives
Destination Osoyoos
Celebrating 10 Years!
Spring Wine Festival Kicks Off - See You at the Finish Line
BC Air Ambulance Service - Teamwork at its Finest
Lake City Casinos Newest Casino in Vernon Aims to Exceed Expectations
Black & McDonald - Striving for Excellence in Customer Service
YLW News
Trivia & Games

YLW Connection - Spring 2009

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