The City of Red Deer is asking residents to provide feedback on the new transit routes that launch Aug. 23.
An online survey is available at reddeer.ca/cityinmotion to collect feedback as part of an ongoing review of the new routes. Detailed schedules and route maps can be seen through the same link.
Printed surveys will be available at Sorensen Station for those without internet access.
The new transit network, which was developed based on public feedback, is expected to offer more direct service and improved connections throughout the city.
“We have been working with the community to redefine our transit service and are excited to officially launch the new routes on Aug. 23,” said transit manager George Penny.
“This is only the beginning, and we want our citizens to continue to take an active role in shaping the new transit service as it moves forward.
“We have additional resources to help passengers plan their trips ahead of the service start and we’ll continue to collect public feedback so we can continue to improve the service in future.”
The realignment will feature different kinds of routes to meet the needs of different passengers.
“We heard overwhelmingly from residents and passengers that they wanted to see routes that were more direct and more frequent,” said Penny.
“At the same time, we’ve also heard from many existing users that it is important to retain some stops within neighbourhoods to keep service close to home, especially in areas with higher numbers of seniors and people with disabilities.
“The new structure aims to strike that ‘Made in Red Deer’ balance, with a network of neighbourhood routes that maintain coverage within residential areas and a complementing series of Rapid Bus and core routes that make it fast and easy to connect across the city.”
The route realignment features a new Gaetz Avenue Rapid Bus, which will run the full length of the Gaetz Avenue corridor.
Two new transit hubs at Bower Place (along Bennett Street and Gaetz Avenue) and Kingston Drive (west of Gaetz Avenue) will provide connection points in the north and south ends, reducing the need for riders to transfer downtown.
Action Bus service also continues to be available to meet different passenger needs.
The new transit routes will launch at the current service level, with hours of operation similar to what has been offered throughout COVID-19.
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