County council votes to end 2A South Regional Transit service due to low ridership

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Analysis revealed that ridership has been low with 4,875 total passenger rides in 2019 and 3,774 in 2020. In March 2020, ridership dropped by about half due to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with restrictions being lifted in early May 2020, the ridership numbers are still relatively low.

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“When I look at the graphs and I look at the data, it was more than the pandemic that affected the ridership,” noted Councillor Christine Moore. “I think it’s a great idea that we encourage the local communities so that we can work together to support each other in a different model that fits the needs of those residents who need public transportation.”

The 2020 boarding numbers indicate there are approximately three riders per day in Springbrook and between one to three riders in Innisfail, while in Penhold there are days with limited to no ridership. A rider survey revealed most users took the service occasionally, between one to three times per month.

County staff noted the goal is to have ridership of at least 15 passengers per day.

“Given the distance and timing of the route, it would have been difficult to meet that standard. Even after public health restrictions are lifted, it is not anticipated ridership will continue to increase over time and become economically feasible,” read a report to council.

Councillor Dana Depalme noted that while the county has not incurred any costs from the pilot project, she had concerns moving forward.

“Maybe somebody in each of those communities, they could pick up and do something on their own to help support the people using this service,” she suggested.

Councillor Philip Massier agreed, stating, “I think it’s important that just because we’re not going to support this pilot project, if a different municipality wanted to go forward with a different type of bussing project, I would hope they would come forward and we could revisit it on a case by case basis.”

“We have to be really careful,” cautioned Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood. “I’m willing to look at proposals… but they have to make sense.”