City should consider enacting transit incentives for current non-users

I was particularly inspired to write this letter by Gillian Slade’s recent News articles regarding our public transit system because I totally support her views.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the presentation of the newly published coloured bus route maps and schedules, making it easier, especially for a non-user, to interpret routes and stops. However, a couple of changes, associated with friends negatively impacted by the new schedule, would enhance my, and others, understanding of the purpose of public transit, i.e., to primarily serve the needs of seniors, younger riders, less fortunate, and those that don't own vehicles.

Therefore, I suggest that the Green Route could more effectively serve seniors, particularly those with walkers originating from Cypress View, simply by adding one or two more stops downtown, especially for uphill destinations and in winter months. (Other downtown bus routes, Red, Blue and Purple have three or four stops). Also, extending evening hour schedule service times, on the Red Route, would serve many younger people’s public transit needs plus potentially attract new riders, if nonusers were offered incentives to explore the bus system.

I personally have never taken a city bus in Medicine Hat. However, if granted a free three-day, no-transfer, hassle-free bus pass, I would be inclined to assess the potential advantages of using our transit system. More particularly, I would be far more likely to use the bus if the Red Route evening hours were extended (downtown, Medicine Hat Mall and Canadian Tire areas), enabling participation in later evening activities. This would also more appropriately fit my view of the purpose and need for public transit for younger people working late shifts, for typically lower wages, in several fast food places, restaurants, lounges and the like in those same areas.

Experimenting with non-user incentives may ultimately offer potential personal financial benefits while satisfying broader safety and environmental community objectives, not to mention the sheer convenience aspects associated with, in particular, winter driving. Increased ridership, rather than decreased bus service, in my and others’ views, is obviously the best way to reduce costs without having a negative impact on those that rely heavily on public transit. However, fruition will require some non-user incentives.

Gordon Briosi Medicine Hat