The City of Red Deer is looking for public feedback on starting a dial-a-bus-type service.
Adding on-demand transit buses is being considered for such areas as the Riverside and Edgar Industrial Parks, and the Evergreen neighbourhood.
The public is being asked to weigh in on having a “flexible, shared ride service,” states a release from the City of Red Deer.
These smaller buses would be booked online. They would operate in certain parts of the city, or during non-peak hours, to improve transportation when conventional bus service may not be feasible.
Customers would be able to schedule trips ahead of time, or request pick ups within established hours and locations. Smaller buses or vans would pick up customers at existing bus stops and drop them off at either the closest stop to their destination, or a stop that connect with a conventional bus route.
“We are excited about the flexibility and convenience that an on-demand service could offer to our customers,” said Trever Sparrow, transit superintendent for conventional services. “We’ve seen this type of service emerging in other communities including Blackfalds, Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton, and believe it could offer Red Deer Transit riders a quick and convenient option.”
Sparrow feels this could be a great addition to Red Deer’s existing fixed-route service. “We are looking forward to hearing from the public about… how we could make it work seamlessly if we decide to pursue it further.”
Red Deerians can participate in a survey at reddeer.ca/TransitOnDemand, or can fill out a paper survey at the Sorensen Station customer service centre until April 22.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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