By rdnewsNOW staff

extending a long-standing agreement

Lacombe, FCSS sign new five-year deal for Connex transport service

Oct 14, 2020 | 1:48 PM

The City of Lacombe has announced a new five-year agreement for Lacombe and District FCSS to continue to deliver the Connex Accessible Transportation Service.

City officials say the agreement, which comes with an optional five-year renewal, and multiple revision and amendment opportunities — including annual budget approval, offers the opportunity for potentially ten years of service, with each party able to negotiate agreement and service terms as required.

“Lacombe City Council is pleased to extend this long-standing agreement with Lacombe FCSS,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “Connex is a critical transportation service for Lacombe residents who need it the most. I want to thank FCSS for continuing to operate and manage this service and look forward to Connex being there for citizens well into the future.”

“Lacombe & District FCSS is pleased to continue our partnership with the City of Lacombe to provide accessible transportation to seniors and those who need assistance due to mobility, age, or illness,” Executive Director Susan MacDonald said. “The service is well utilized by the residents, providing rides to medical appointments, shopping, leisure activities as well as special group bookings.”

Connex initially started in 2009 after the Handivan Association disbanded. At that time, the City and FCSS entered into a five-year agreement – which ended in 2013. This agreement modernizes those terms and provides for future revisions and updates.

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Under the newly agreed-upon terms, the City of Lacombe will continue to manage the Connex fleet, including fleet maintenance, fuel supply, and lifecycle replacement. FCSS will continue to operate the service.

The deal’s financial commitment is subject to the annual budget, meaning Council can choose to set service levels year-to-year.

Council also directed administration to prepare a report outlining the potential expanded use of Connex. That report is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2021 and will include descriptions of transportation services offered in similar-sized communities.

(With file from media release)