TAMRMS#: B06
9.1
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Access to Mobility Services
Notice given by: Councillor Brodhead
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
To improve equitable access to mobility services in St. Albert, that Administration prepare a financial analysis and implementation plan for a two year pilot project utilizing a third party contracted service with the business case presented to Council by Q3 2025.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
It is Administration’s understanding of this motion that should the motion pass, Administration is directed to prepare a financial analysis and implementation plan, which includes a feasibility study, for a new service (pilot) that will support Specialized Transit services to potential clients who are currently limited from utilizing the full potential of the St. Albert Transit Handibus service due to physical constraints of origin/destination coupled with the existing fleet size utilized by St. Albert Transit’s Handibus service. A business case will be provided to Council in Q3 2025.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Brodhead gave notice on June 9, 2025.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2024, 44 new clients were registered with Handibus Service. In order to be registered with the service, an initial assessment meeting occurs between the client and Administrator to determine client application details (Ie. mobility level, mobility equipment, etc.), current access to the community and potential usage of the service (Ie. Local or commuter trips, recreational/social purposes, programs, etc.) and an overview of service details. Site checks of the locations (Ie. residence, work/volunteer placement, etc.) are completed by Administration in order to ensure location(s) do not present any operational service constraints. Common constraints include:
- Height restrictions due to overhangs.
- Insufficient space of ramp deployment for client(s) and/or driver to board and alight safely with mobility aid.
- Access (entrance and exit) of fleet to main doors of residence/commercial building.
- Insufficient layover parking to board and alight clients without impacting local area traffic.
- Patron utilizing a mobility aid but residence does not have appropriate accessibility.
- Unsafe conditions for driver to assist and provide door-to-door service.
Although alternative solutions to mitigate and/or resolve these constraints are reviewed, there are still locations (both residential and commercial) which are not operationally suitable for Handibus to provide service. Unfortunately, the outcome of a site check can result in the client not being registered for the service and/or client determining the service is not suitable for transportation needs.
In 2024, three clients were declined from registering for Handibus Service. By the end of 2024, 686 clients were registered with the service, with 30,442 trips performed.
IMPACTS OF MOTION
Should this motion pass, St. Albert Transit will prepare a financial analysis and implementation plan for a two year pilot project utilizing a third party contracted service with the business case to be presented to Council by Q3 2025.
Financial:
Internal staff will conduct the financial analysis and prepare the implementation plan.
Compliance & Legal:
The preparation of the financial analysis and implementation plan would not have specific compliance and legal ramifications; however, the specific service being contemplated through this motion will require evaluation and consideration of compliance and legal implications that will require mitigation prior to potential implementation, as occurs with any service provided by the City.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
Transit Administration will have to reallocate and dedicate workload to complete the request by consulting with neighboring transit agencies to collect information and data to provide a comprehensive financial analysis and implementation plan. This could result in daily operational tasks being delayed or impacted.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Strategy (IDEA)
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
E.1.2 Handibus Services - Specialized, shared ride, "door-to-door" transit services for residents of St. Albert, age 16+ who are unable to utilize conventional transit due to a physical or cognitive disability.
E.1.2.a Commuter and Local Handibus Services Direct door-to-door pick up and drop off service to all destinations within St. Albert and to select destinations in Edmonton. Services are maintained as outlined on City website.
ALTERNATIVES
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternatives for Council’s consideration.
Alternative 1: Do nothing - Maintain Status Quo of Current Handibus Service Operations
Financial:
This alternative has the least financial impact as service will continue to operate within approved budget.
Compliance & Legal:
This option has the lowest financial impact but does not address service inequities.
Program or Service:
Administratively, the registration process for Handibus Service of potential clients will not change. Operationally, the current level of service continues within St. Albert for registered clients and utilizing the existing fleet available.
Organizational:
Current Transit Administration will be maintained to operate this specialized transit service for the majority of clients. Administration will continue to monitor and track instances of service denial.
Risks
The current service limitations and inequities are not addressed immediately.
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Report Date: July 2, 2025
Author: Tim Saunders
Department: Public Operations
Department Director: Tim Saunders
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher