City of Red Deer transit hours and frequency have been reduced to a one-hour schedule that began on Monday has part of the effort to reduce public exposure to COVID-19.
Red Deer Transit moved to hourly bus runs from a 30-minute schedule. From Monday to Saturday, the first departure from Sorensen Station will leave at 7:45 a.m., and the last departure (from Sorensen Station) at 7:45 p.m.
Sundays and holidays will continue to operate on the one hour service, with the first departure from Sorensen Station at 8:45 a.m., and the last departure (from Sorensen Station) at 6:45 p.m.
In addition, new social distancing measures are in place. All passengers are to enter and exit through the rear door, with the exception of wheel chairs and disabled customers. Every other seat will be blocked off to ensure social distancing between passengers.
Action Bus trips for accessible transportation will continue for registered clients. This service will now be limited to bookings for essential travel for medical appointment, work and grocery shopping only. A two-passenger maximum limit will be implemented across all Action Bus vehicles as an added protection measure.
“The changes to transit beginning tomorrow will ensure we are providing the service many in our community rely upon for getting to work or medical appointments in the safest way possible as we all work to minimize exposure,” said Bart Rowland, Emergency Operations Centre Director.
The City’s decision to reduce transit hours and frequency is being done “in an effort to be vigilant in The City’s response and planning related to COVID-19.”
The City of Red Deer continues to explore options and measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. “We encourage all citizens to follow the recommendations of Alberta Health Services.”
For the latest information on COVID-19 visit alberta.ca/covid19 and the latest on how City services are impacted visit reddeer.ca/covid19. Please call the Call Centre, open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with questions at 403-342-8111.