By rdnewsNOW staff

Transit Changes

School transit service to start next week, mandatory mask use in effect

Aug 28, 2020 | 10:41 AM

After a busy week launching Red Deer Transit’s new route system, City officials note there are more changes to come next week.

Starting Aug. 31, school service begins again, and masks will be mandatory for all riders on transit buses.

“With a new school year kicking off for most Red Deer students, our school service routes pick up again to ensure transportation to and from school is in place,” said George Penny, Red Deer Transit Manager, in a press release. “Although we’ve revamped all regular transit routes, all school routes, stops and schedules remain unchanged from last year, so students who used these buses, will see no changes to their commute.”

Officials say The City received feedback from parents who integrated the regular routes into their children’s school commute in the past; however, with the new regular route system they will need to plan their routes differently this year.

Parents and students are able to do this by calling transit, speaking to a representative at a station, or using the MyBus app.

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There will be one additional school service route this year, Route 42. City officials say this route is expected to enhance the regular transit options between the Clearview and Rosedale neighbourhoods with Lindsey Thurber High School.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible commuting options for our students in Red Deer, and we will continue to work with the school boards to determine where school services need adjusting based on district plans,” said Penny.

Along with school services resuming on Monday, masks are required on all transit buses in Red Deer per a bylaw passed by City Council on August 17.

The face covering bylaw acknowledges the need for continued diligence in protecting the health and wellbeing of all Red Deerians.

Although there is a fine for non-compliance, The City’s preference is to educate prior to issuing tickets and fines.

“Our focus throughout the whole pandemic is and continues to be education versus issuing fines, wherever possible,” said Bart Rowland, Municipal Policing Services Manager. “Over the next few weeks, we will increase patrols on transit buses and at stations and hubs in an effort to educate riders about the new bylaw.”

Red Deerians are encouraged to report people not following COVID-related Alberta Health Services guidelines by calling the police non-emergency line at 403-343-5575. Visit www.reddeer.ca/COVID-19 for information on The City’s response to COVID-19.

For information on the new transit system, routes and scheduling, visit www.reddeer.ca/cityinmotion or call the Transit department at 403-342-8225.

Riders can still provide feedback on the new route system online or by picking up a paper survey at Sorenson Station.