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By rdnewsNOW staff

have your say

City seeking public feedback for on-demand transit service

Apr 8, 2021 | 7:27 PM

The City of Red Deer is considering adding on-demand transit to Red Deer Transit’s suite of services and is looking for the public to weigh in.

City officials say this flexible, shared ride service offers customers transit options based on their trip needs, and would offer service in certain areas and times of day to improve connectivity where conventional service may not be feasible.

“We are excited about the flexibility and convenience that an on-demand service could offer to our customers,” said Trever Sparrow, Transit Superintendent Conventional Services. “On-demand is a shared ride service that allows customers to book a ride using an online platform. We’ve seen this type of service emerging in other communities including Blackfalds, Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton, and believe it could offer Red Deer Transit riders a quick and convenient option.”

The implementation of on-demand comes as part of The City’s Transit Network Improvements Project, which saw extensive public consultation and the launch of a new transit route system in August 2020. On-demand service would enable customers to schedule their rides ahead of time or request pick up for as soon as possible within established service hours and locations within the city. The system would pick customers up at existing bus stops and drop them off at either the closest stop to their destination, or a stop to connect with a conventional route to continue their journey.

Transit is considering adding the service in areas of the city where this would be most effective in improving travel options for residents, such as the Riverside and Edgar industrial areas, and the Evergreen neighborhood. Transit is also considering this as part of regular evening service after 7 p.m.

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The City is asking customers and the general public to participate in a survey to provide feedback. The survey is available online at reddeer.ca/TransitOnDemand or can be filled out in person at the Sorensen Station customer service centre until April 22, 2021.