Blackfalds Mayor Richard Poole (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

NEIGHBOURS NOT HAPPY

Blackfalds disappointed by Lacombe pulling out of BOLT Transit

Oct 2, 2019 | 10:08 AM

The Town of Blackfalds says it is disheartened by Lacombe’s decision to pull out of BOLT Transit.

Lacombe city council voted last week to give one year’s notice to withdraw from the regional service due to low ridership and revenue.

Blackfalds says BOLT Transit has seen a positive uptake during the past few years and that recent changes, including the Burman University Proposal that included a schedule adjustment to add a fifth evening trip during the week to better accommodate students, were made with the long-term sustainability of BOLT in mind.

The Town of Blackfalds says it was the City of Lacombe who initially engaged them to participate in BOLT and that the discussion clearly indicated 15-20 years would be needed to realize the full return on investment.

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“Blackfalds council has provided a consistent message that they wished this service to continue and to grow in order to serve both those who do not have vehicles as well as those who believe in participating in an environmentally proven alternative,” says Mayor Richard Poole. “We feel that this message was not shared or passed on to City of Lacombe residents during the past two years and this has contributed to the failure of this opportunity.”

A BOLT Survey was conducted with 307 respondents. The results from the survey were released just last month. The City of Red Deer is also conducting a review of its transit service.

Town officials say Blackfalds council will be making a decision in the near future regarding future involvement with BOLT Transit.