By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

County gets $700,000 as Alberta expands rural bus service pilot project

Jul 25, 2018 | 2:21 PM

Red Deer County will be expanding its regional bus service thanks to new provincial funding.

The county is getting $700,000 as the Government of Alberta expands its Rural Transportation Pilot Project for new bus lines.

The money will allow Red Deer County to create a new bus route connecting the City of Red Deer with Springbrook, Penhold and Innisfail. The route will offer service for 11,000 local residents who currently have no public transportation.

“Regional transit funding will create even greater links between our communities, and will go a long way toward improved mobility for our residents,” says Jim Wood, mayor of Red Deer County. “Being able to travel efficiently and safely is essential for our residents’ quality of life and the overall well-being of our connected communities.”

Red Deer County currently offers daily bus service to Gasoline Alley and Springbrook. 

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Innisfail Mayor Jim Romane added, “We’re delighted to move ahead with this immensely valuable service, and are proud to have been part of the collaborative effort to bring it forward. Having a safe and reliable mode of regional transportation will help us further meet the evolving needs of our citizens, and enhance connectivity throughout the region.”

Penhold Mayor Michael Yargeau concluded, “We are very pleased with the Province’s commitment to provide pilot funding for public transportation. This inclusive service provides opportunities for all residents to gain more independence and access to surrounding communities. The project’s success will be dependent on the utilization of the service and we encourage our residents to jump on board and enjoy the ride.”

New routes will also be set up between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge on top of existing pilot projects in and around Camrose, Grande Prairie and Spirit River.

“Our government knows viable rural transit is what connects many Albertans to work, school, vital health care, family and friends,” says Premier Rachel Notley. “That’s why our Rural Transportation Pilot Project is so important. We’ve worked closely with regional governments to get this investment right, and I am so pleased to announce these new transit options to connect Albertans across our province.”

The province will use information from the pilot program to consider its ongoing approach to supporting rural public transportation. The pilot is designed to allow eligible municipalities to identify and implement projects that best meet the unique needs of their communities.

Notley says it’s critical that citizens in more rural or remote areas are able to get around, especially given Greyhound’s recent announcement that it is shutting down passenger and delivery services on the Prairies, northwestern Ontario and all but one cross-border route in British Columbia due to low ridership