Weekend transit shuttle available

City will allow low-income residents to apply for service through Fair Entry Program

The city will now make a weekend transit shuttle service available to low-income residents under the Fair Entry Program.

“In response to feedback heard from the community following the announcement of the changes to the regular transit system, our transit team investigated options to ensure those most in need in our community would have transit options available to them on the weekends,” Howard Snodgrass, general manager community development, said in a press release on Monday.

“The solution provides additional service, maintains the integrity of the new system design and still allows for significant cost savings.”

The city’s revamped system will begin Sept. 5 with more streamlined routes, and no longer converging at the transit terminal downtown. Service on weekends will be for two core routes only.

To qualify for Fair Entry weekend transit shuttle service, clients must be Fair Entry eligible and their place of residence and/or place of work, medical appointment, or education class must be beyond 800 metres of the core transit routes, said the press release.

Individuals must self-identify through the existing Fair Entry application process. The city will work with community agencies to help facilitate access for lowincome residents.

The shuttle service will be the same curb-to-curb shared ride approach of Special Transit. Qualified clients must book their transportation plans (to and from their destination) by calling 403-5298214 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday prior to their desired weekend trip. Hours of operation will be the same as Special Transit, Saturday from 6:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The weekend transit shuttle will not detract from existing Special Transit service resource, said the press release. Existing transit fares will apply for the weekend shuttle service.

The city is holding public information sessions on the new transit system as follows: Today — Co-op Mall, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday — Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 9 a.m. to noon; and Sept. 5 — Esplanade 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A temporary helpline, 403-525-8900, will be available until Sept. 15 to provide information and answer questions.