Adjustment period needed for transit changes
City thanks patrons for their patience
Buses were running 10 to 15 minutes late as new transit routes began operating Tuesday.
“It’s not bad,” said Ursula Pinson, admitting it was going to take time to understand the changes.
Gladys Huntington said another trip and she’d probably feel comfortable with it all. Both women said they’d already worked the routes for several places they normally visit, such as the hairdresser and doctor’s office.
For William Boyle, it was a different story. Boyle is ready to give up the bus altogether and perhaps buy a car. Boyle and his wife moved from Lethbridge less than two months ago where they were used to paying $29 for a monthly seniors’ transit pas, versus $43 in Medicine Hat. His wife works some afternoon and evening shifts and not having a bus she to travel home at night is a big problem. Only two routes operate after 6:30 p.m., and on weekends.
“I’m so upset I would vote for Trump,” said Boyle. “They should fire all councillors and the mayor. They’ve never used transit in their life.”
First-week challenges were not unexpected and will ease up as riders become accustomed to the system, said Howard Snodgrass, general manager of community development.
“Our drivers are working hard to maintain timeliness of schedule while also helping riders understand the system and reach their destinations in a timely convenient fashion,” said Snodgrass.
Some routes were behind schedule on Tuesday, but this is expected to improve.
“We do appreciate the patience shown by riders as we work out the kinks in our new system,” said Snodgrass.
Boyle lives on the green route, and if he needed to get somewhere on a weekend it would mean climbing about 100 steps from First Street SW to Prospect Drive near the hospital. That is challenging in summer and dangerous in winter, said Boyle, who wonders if Mayor Ted Clugston would feel comfortable with his own mother climbing those steps in winter.
“I always thought Medicine Hat was a place for seniors but it is not,” said Boyle. “All of this (changes) to save a dollar? I would like to see the budget.”
For many of the passengers using transit on Tuesday it was a challenge to determine where they needed to switch to a new route. The idea of the buses travelling in both directions is also taking time to adjust to. Some riders were directed to a bus stop because it showed the colour they needed.
There are ride guide books showing the routes but these were not available on buses. Some individuals had managed to get copies but were struggling to interpret them.
The transit help line 403-525-8900 is still available and specific assistance, such as in-person route planning, can be arranged if requested, said Snodgrass.