On Friday, the Rocky View Regional Handibus Society celebrated 45 years of service.
Paul Siller, the society's executive director, is proud of the large milestone.
"I don't know how we got here, but we did. It has been a struggle at times, but the demand keeps coming."
Earlier this year, he told DiscoverAirdrie that the society is on track to give around 15000 rides this year. around 10 per cent higher than last year.
"Some people use our service once or twice a year. Others need it twice a month. Some need it a little more frequently."
Siller explained the average trip length for the society is 28 kilometres.
The society serves residents from Rocky View County, Chestermere, Crossfield, Acme, Cochrane and Beiseker.
"You can have all the scheduling and you can have all the grant writing, but if it wasn't for the drivers, none of this would get done, because the drivers are the ones who deal with the traffic and get people to where they need to be."
In 2024, the handibus provided over 13,500 rides to more than 16,000 people.
Back in July 2024, 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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