A local group is pushing for improvements to Lethbridge’s Access-A-Ride service.
The newly formed Transit Access Group brought concerns to Lethbridge city council on Monday about the difficulty of booking rides, while many users on fixed income have nowhere else to turn.
“The experience is extremely frustrating,” said Jill Skriver, an Access-A-Ride user for over five years.
Skriver believes the service could be easier to use.
“When there’s something you need to go to on spur of the moment, you’re not allowed,” she said. “It’s not that accessible.”
Transit Access Group hopes to improve transit service in the city as a whole, but considers booking of Access-A-Ride to be a major issue.
While rides are to be scheduled more than 24-hours in advance, it’s argued that period is more like one week if you want it during a peak time.
“Most people don’t live their lives planning seven days in advance,” said Bernie Pigeau of Transit Access Group. “A lot of people assume seniors only go out for medical appointments. They have lives just like the rest of us.”
According to the City of Lethbridge, there are 21 Access-A-Ride vehicles, with 31 drivers. The annual net cost of the service is over $2.1-million, and increasing service by 50 per cent is estimated to add another $1-million.
The group isn’t calling for more spending, just more consultation.
“The public and the people that use (Access-A-Ride) are more likely to know where the faults and possible solutions lie,” Pigeau said.
City administrators told Global News it’s too soon to comment on Access-A-Ride concerns, with one councillor telling Transit Access Group the worries have come out of nowhere.
A full report will be presented to council in mid-August.
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