SE AB regional transportation pilot project launched

In an effort to provide transportation to residents seeking medical and other services in Medicine Hat, the municipalities in the Brooks Region have collaborated on a regional transportation pilot project.

Transportation will not be limited to medical services, however, medical bookings will take priority.

The pilot project is funded through a Government of Alberta Regional Collaboration Grant.

Brooks to Medicine Hat return trips will be available each Wednesday beginning on February 13th.

The weekly schedule will be arranged with local physicians to ensure coordination occurs between service dates and patient appointments.

Riders will need to pre- book the service. Revisions in the schedule will depend upon demand for the service.

The bus will depart from and return to the JBS Canada Centre in Brooks located at 323 – 1st Street East. Cost for a one- way trip is $ 10 and round trip, $ 20. Bookings can be scheduled by calling 403- 3626190.

“In speaking with the local medical community, there is a confirmed need for a service to transport individuals to a number of medical or mental health facilities in Medicine Hat,” says City of Brooks Deputy CAO Amanda Peterson. “This project will be run on a trial basis and then an end strategy will be contemplated by the collaborating partners.”

“If the demand exceeds expected usage, collaborating partners will prepare and implement an effective transition plan leading towards an uninterrupted continuation of the services immediately after the pilot project ends,” says County of Newell Director of Corporate Services Layne Johnson.

“A decision to continue the services will be based on whether certain milestones are being achieved at various intervals throughout the pilot project period.”

For more information on the regional transportation pilot project, please visit www. brooks. ca