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Innisfail getting big revamp to local transit system

Mar 31, 2023 | 1:35 PM

The Town of Innisfail is set to upgrade its PACE transit to an on-demand system.

Starting April 3, the Town begins a one-year contract with Pacific Western Transportation to provide the community and those surrounding it with a state-of-the-art and on-demand transit system.

The new service is available to residents of Innisfail, Penhold, and Bowden, providing almost 12,000 users with access. One-way rides within Innisfail will cost $5. There will be a $15 charge for rides to Bowden and Penhold, and $50 for trips to Red Deer, Olds and Sylvan Lake. Citizens needing transportation to Calgary or Edmonton will also be able to use the service.

Since 2018, the Town partnered with the local Royal Canadian Legion to offer the PACE shuttle, but the Legion has since determined it could no longer provide that service.

Town officials felt this was an opportunity to upgrade what they call an underutilized service, which was primarily being used by seniors and those with mobility issues.

Meghan Jenkins, Director of Community Services, is hoping for a jump in ridership.

We’ll be able to increase our efficiency and the number of users that we’re able to service by going to an on-demand program — with the power of the app and a call centre, as opposed to the traditional dispatch system that was being utilized previously,” she says.

The two Town-owned PACE buses will continue to pick up passengers in Innisfail and surrounding area, while Red Deer-based Prairie Bus Lines will operate and staff the new service.

Users can book a trip seven day a week on the app or by calling the dispatch centre.

Jonathan Weal, Director of Business Development for PBL, says the data collected by the high-tech transit brand is a game changer.

“The app has the ability to learn the more data it gathers, and the time it takes to get between different points,” said Weal. “It can anticipate delays on rides. It gathers a lot of data from the movement within the town to allow the service to be more efficient.”

The PACE shuttle vehicles averaged 117 trips a month in 2022.

“Accurate reporting and statistics will help us understand the needs and demands of the community,” adds Jenkins. “The trips, as well as the failed searches, are valuable data that we definitely don’t get from our current driver logs.”

Starting Monday, riders can call 403-227-0677 to book their trip, or download the Pick-Up On-Demand app from the Apple App Store or through Google Play.

“The Town recognizes how important transportation is for the quality of life of our citizens,” Jenkins says. “We want to ensure that service is accessible and is efficient as possible for everyone.”

For more information, visit www.innisfail.ca/transportation.

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