On The Ground
When a grocery wagon becomes a transportation barrier
By Randy Millis
A folding grocery wagon became an unexpected transportation barrier for two Kelowna transit riders — including a disabled resident returning home from the food bank.
Last year, a neighbour of mine who lives on disability assistance used a folding wagon to bring groceries home from the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
She had made the trip many times without issue.
But after collecting food and boarding a Route 10 bus, she was later denied access to a connecting Route 11 bus at Orchard Park Exchange.
According to her account, the driver told her the wagon was not allowed, closed the doors and drove away.
With frozen and perishable food in tow and no other way home, she says she spent her last $15 on a taxi.
That incident raised a simple question: are folding wagons actually prohibited on BC Transit buses?
I contacted BC Transit’s information line and was told there was no specific rule prohibiting wagons.
To verify that information, I later called again and received the same answer.
Then I tested the issue myself.
While returning home from a grocery trip with a loaded folding wagon, I boarded a Route 10 bus in Kelowna.
The driver initially allowed me onboard but told me the wagon needed to be folded.
I explained that the wagon was full of groceries and that I had previously confirmed with BC Transit that wagons were permitted.
The bus was not crowded and no passengers requiring priority seating were onboard.
I secured the wagon safely in an unused priority seating area and remained with it.
When I later asked for the driver’s operator ID so I could clarify the policy with BC Transit, the situation escalated.
The driver ordered me off the bus and threatened to call police.
A transit supervisor later attended and told me wagons were not permitted for safety reasons.
That response appeared to contradict information previously provided by BC Transit’s own customer service representatives.
The inconsistency matters.
Folding wagons are commonly used by:
- seniors
- people with disabilities
- low-income residents
- people without vehicles
- residents transporting groceries or food bank supplies
They are widely sold at major retailers and have become a practical transportation tool for many people navigating rising costs and limited mobility.
At a time when governments encourage transit use while many residents struggle with affordability, inconsistent enforcement creates confusion for riders who rely on public transportation for basic necessities.
BC Transit should clearly explain its policy — and ensure both riders and operators receive consistent information.
For people living paycheque to paycheque, a denied ride can quickly become spoiled groceries, missed meals, or another unnecessary barrier.
