INNISFAIL – Larger passenger groups of six or more riders that utilize the town’s new transit service are getting a 50 per cent fee reduction.
The issue was brought up at town council’s regular meeting on Aug. 14 when administration informed council members a serious concern was raised by Sunset Manor that the new high-tech on-demand system implemented last April in partnership with Red Deer’s Prairie Bus Lines has become cost prohibitive for seniors.
Meghan Jenkins, the town’s community services director, told council the new system was charging each user $5 per trip in town and $15 per person for each one-way trip out of town to Bowden or Penhold.
“Previously, they would be charged $5 for a one-way trip for the busload of people from Sunset,” Jenkins told council.
The letter from Sunset, which was presented to council, said busing for seniors since the change to the new system has turned into a “messy problem”, with residents “literally been locked up” due to the strain of the cost of the new system on the facility’s recreation budget.
“This is a huge concern and I just don’t know where to turn from here for help,” added the letter. “Our seniors here are more than feeling the change as we have not left the facility once this year.”
In her report to council Jenkins asked council to approve a 50 per cent rate reduction for large groups of six or more accessing the older of the town’s two PACE buses.
This bus, which is for in-town service or trips to either Bowden and Penhold, can accommodate up to 14 passengers, less if wheelchairs are to be accommodated.
Jenkins told council that a discount code can be created with the new system to provide a 50 per cent discount to groups of six or more riders, which would result in a $2.50 per person trip charge in-town, and a $7.50 per person charge for folks to either Penhold or Bowden.
Council was told large group trips to other destinations, such as to Red Deer or Olds, cannot be accommodated under this new initiative.
Jenkins said this rate would be applicable to all larger groups in the community, not just seniors.
Council members were receptive to Jenkins’ proposal and unanimously approved the 50 per cent reduction motion advanced by Jenkins.
“I fully support the reduction,” said Coun. Don Harrison. “It’s a particularly sensitive matter because for a lot of those folks it’s the only way that they can get out, and if it's cost prohibitive I think we should look at reducing the rate.”
Going forward, Jenkins told council ridership with the new transit service with Prairie Bus lines has worked well, noting it has averaged 62 trips per week over the last four weeks; a “substantial” increase in usage since the service change over.
“As we work through some of the bumps along the road it seems to be working for most people,” said Jenkins.
