TAMRMS#: B06
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Review of Handibus Services Hours
Presented by: Anthony Lake, Director, Public Works & Transit
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That Council further delay the implementation of extended Handibus hours associated with the approved motion - PM-20-056 moved by Councilor Brodhead. “That the Public Works & Transit Weekday Evening Local Handibus Service business case be funded for $57,500 within the 2020 operating budget.”, and further that transit administration be authorized to implement the extended hours service when demand increases and is sustained at pre-Covid levels.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To inform Council of the significantly reduced utilization of Handibus services, due to the current pandemic, making extended hours unnecessary due to absence of demand. To provide assurance to Council that with the additional monies previously approved administration can implement when demand increases sufficiently in the future.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Handibus Services
Specialized, shared ride, "to-the-door" transit services for residents of St. Albert, age 16+ who are unable to utilize conventional transit due to a physical or cognitive disability.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
PM-20-056. “That the Public Works & Transit Weekday Evening Local Handibus Service business case be funded for $57,500 within the 2020 operating budget.”
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Current Handibus ridership continues to be at a reduction of 80 - 90% since the onset of covid-19.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Notice will be provided to the Handibus advisory committee.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Delay of accessing the approved funds.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
Current service levels would remain, implementation of extended hours would be deferred. No current clients are on the wait list for extended service hours.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1. Implement extension of service hours effective at a specific date to be determined by Council.
Alternative 2. Rescind the motion PM-20-056 to approve extended hours and direct administration to propose possible extension through a new business case when demand warrants.
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Report Date: July 6, 2020
Author(s): Anthony Lake
Committee/Department: Public Works & Transit
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble