Transportation projects connect rural Albertans
Alberta Government: Four projects, expected to be up and running this fall, will receive a total of more than $1.4 million over two years as part of the Rural Transportation Pilot Program funded through Budget 2018.
The projects will support new and expanded public transportation services to fill service gaps between communities where there is no existing provider. They will improve public transportation services between Alberta’s mid-sized urban centres and their surrounding communities.
“Our government made a commitment to try to help people living in rural Alberta with their transportation needs,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason. “Whether it is a medical appointment, classes for school or simply a shopping trip, projects like these will help people get from one community to another in a faster and more efficient way. I hope these pilot projects help set a course for expanded services in the future.”
The City of Camrose will receive two grants — more than $450,000 to establish a regular bus shuttle service between Camrose and Edmonton and more than $137,000 to hire a regional transit coordinator who will oversee ride-sharing opportunities in the area.
With a grant of nearly $640,000, Grande Prairie County will provide a regional transit service that connects Sexsmith, Clairmont, Wembley, Beaverlodge and Hythe with the City of Grande Prairie’s existing transit system.
These regions were selected for the program because they are home to large numbers of Albertans who do not have access to regional transit services. Other projects are being considered for funding.
“Members of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and our neighbouring communities who are eligible for this program are happy to hear that the Government of Alberta is putting dollars to support our public transportation needs,” said Al Kemmere, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta. “Our communities need better access to education, health care, jobs and to connect with families, so this is a step in the right direction.”