Handibus will see fare increase in the coming months

The Rocky View Regional Handibus Society has announced that there will be a slight increase in fare prices at the start of next year.

Paul Siller, the society's executive director, explained there will be a 50-cent increase from $4 for every 10 kilometres travelled to $4.50.

"We had decided to raise our fares about a month before the pandemic slowed everything down, so we put a pause on that."

This is the first fare increase since 2012. Siller also shared some statistics on how the year has gone so far when it comes to trips taken; the society has recently just surpassed the 10,000 mark. 

"Now that we've finished our third quarter for 2024, we're finding that we are back to capacity on how many trips we can make."

Siller also mentioned they are under a lot more pressure to provide trips and find they have to say no a lot more often.

As of the end of September, the handibus has 1221 passengers registered for its services.

With the end of the year nearing, the society will be undertaking a few projects, according to SIller:

1. Scheduling Software Upgrade: Our current paratransit software is from 2010. We will be changing to software from a Canadian company used in over 40 transit agencies. This software will utilize machine learning (artificial intelligence) with a better optimization process than our current software. With the roll-out, we will continue to take bookings over the phone. After the roll-out, passengers will also be able to book via the website or smartphone app.
2. Capital campaign to replace five buses: We were fortunate to acquire five Promaster van conversions from the federal Rural Transit Funding Solutions program. Now we will raise the same kind of funds and replace another five of our oldest buses.
3. Develop Rider Eligibility Criteria: Some of our municipal partners are developing transit services of their own. We should be prepared with a strategy to someday determine who should be taking the Rocky View Bus and who should be taking the regular transit service.
4. Update Strategic Plans: 2025 will be our 45th year of operation. It is time to float some ideas and make some plans to guide us over the next 20 years.

The Handibus has a total of 12 buses that are in service as of right now with four not in commision.

The society serves Rocky View County, Chestermere, Crossfield, Acme, Cochrane and Beiseker residents.

Back in July, the handibus society received a grant from Infrastructure Canada to replace several buses while also adding to its fleet.

The new buses are Roadmasters, equipped for wheelchair-accessible transportation and capable of carrying six to eight passengers.

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