Operators of subsidized public transportation in Innisfail are trying to boost ridership to keep the service sustainable.
Ridership has waned on the municipally-owned wheelchair accessible Handi-Van, according to Eva Riddle, the Legion contact for booking the Handi-Van.
“The Handi-Van could be used more frequently. The ridership in December and January was down considerably,” she said.
The van is primarily for transporting individuals to their local doctor’s appointments and business or shopping runs, but is also available to take people to their out-of-town appointments with medical specialists.
Mayor Jim Romane said he would like to see the vans used more, as the driver is being paid.
“The town is going to take on more responsibility on the operating costs of the vans. The Legion is very good with helping with the scheduling of it. We express our appreciation to the Legion and want them to continue running the service,” said Romane.
The Town of Innisfail owns the Community Bus which is also administrated by the Legion and the Legion also has its own van available for use by youth and seniors groups.
Operators say there are numerous advantages of having the transportation options.
The driver gets to know his passengers and who may need a little assistance getting in and out of their homes.
The Handi-Van can take two wheelchairs and six passengers, allowing for a travelling escort for those in a wheelchair.
Having a municipally-subsidized service allows operators to keep the costs down for those who most need the service.
Fare for the Handi-Van is $3 each way and an additional $1 for each extra stop. The fare to Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, or Olds is $35 per trip. For outside this area is 45 cents per kilometre, or about $120 to Calgary and $180 to Edmonton per trip.
“Cash payment is preferred,” said Riddle. “But if you have a series of regular appointments we will try to accommodate you. For instance, set up a monthly billing arrangement.
Riddle suggests riders book the Handi-Van at the same time their appointments are confirmed.
“I can always try to fit you in for local trips, but for trips to Red Deer or Calgary, it is best to book them in advance, especially if you are in a wheelchair,” said Riddle.
The Legion Van is also available for booking.
“The van sits 13 adult passengers comfortably and costs pretty much the same as the Handi-Van,” said Riddle. “Twenty-four hour pre-booking is required to ensure that a driver is available.”
The Community Bus seats up to 47 passengers and can also be booked through the Legion.
“The bus is available for local sightseeing, school trips, hockey teams, group, private, and club bookings, and it too could be used more,” said Riddle. “The bus is pending availability and the driver requires a minimum of 24 hours notice. The cost is $1.65 per kilometre for travel in Innisfail and area, and $1.85 for out of area travel.”
The bus does have a standing trip.
“The third Wednesday of each month the Community Bus goes into Red Deer. It drops off at the casino and both malls. It is advertised in the Legion calendar,” said Riddle. “It departs from the Legion’s back parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and starts it’s return pickups in Red Deer at 3 p.m., back in Innisfail by 4 p.m. The cost for this all day trip is $10 return and is open to all ages. This is environmentally friendly and you have a place to put your packages.”
If you need a ride, phone the Legion, said Innisfail CAO Helen Dietz. “We encourage the use of the vans.”
Romane and Riddle are hoping that with the opening of the new library and Senior Drop-In Centre the Handi-Van will be used more.
“The service can be more beneficial to seniors as it offsets the impact of a new Senior’s Drop-In location,” said Romane.
Dietz added that increased ridership could prompt consideration for different service.
“Once people are using the service as it stands we can explore the possibility of offering regular scheduled service to the library during set days of the week,” said Dietz.
