INNISFAIL – Transportation in Central Alberta received a big boost from the province on Wednesday, providing rural Albertans with access to improved transportation across Red Deer County.
Thanks to a new transportation initiative announced by the Alberta government last week, a new bus route serving Red Deer County will connect the municipalities of Red Deer, Springbrook, Penhold and Innisfail.
“Regional transit funding will create even greater links between our communities and will go a long way toward improved mobility for our residents,” said 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.”
The two-year pilot project will support new and expanded public transportation services and help improve public transportation between Alberta’s mid-size urban centres and their surrounding communities.
A current route run by the county operates limited service mornings and evenings, seven days a week from Red Deer to Gasoline Alley and Springbrook, said Jo-Ann Symington, community services manager with Red Deer County.
That service began in 2010.
"We had limited service through Gasoline Alley and limited daily service into Springbrook," said Symington. "The plan moving forward is that it would separate, so Gasoline Alley would be its own service and then we would have a route from the City of Red Deer and include Springbrook, Penhold, Innisfail and back," she said.
"By not going into Springbrook (with the new route), it gives us some opportunities to maybe increase the frequency or maybe change the routing (and service) within Gasoline Alley," she added. "We're just working on those details right now."
In 2017, the total ridership for the Gasoline Alley route was 59,000 passengers, noted Symington.
Innisfail and Penhold joined Red Deer County earlier this spring and provided letters of support to endorse the grant application for the transportation pilot project.
The Red Deer County bus route will receive $700,000 from the province and provide needed transportation service to 11,000 local residents that did not have public transportation in the past.
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane was pleased with the news.
“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,” said Romane. “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.”
The Town of Penhold was equally as happy to see the pilot project approved.
“We are very pleased with the province’s commitment to provide pilot funding for public transportation,” said Mike Yargeau, mayor of Penhold. “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.”
