Let’s talk Red Deer Transit.
I moved to Red Deer about four years ago and, since then, I have been largely dependent on our city’s transit system.
And, for the most part, it has done its job; I get from A to B and back again.
The question I am raising, however, is how much should I need to pay to get from A to B?
When I first started riding transit, I paid $60 a month for a bus to come by my stop every half hour from 6:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 8:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Sundays.
Now I pay $64 a month for a bus to come by my stop every half hour from 6:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 8:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Sundays.
So, why am I essentially paying more for less service?
Why are Red Deer’s students and seniors also paying more for less?
Why are those with a limited income, who possibly cannot afford a vehicle, paying more for less?
Yes, it is “just” four dollars extra a month and only a half hour cut in service time … now.
But, again, I pose this question to those of us who depend on the Red Deer Transit: How much are you willing to pay to get from A to B?
George Shaw
Red Deer