TAMRMS#: B06
title
Trial Period - Free Transit for Seniors
Presented by: Corrine Ball, Handibus Coordinator, Transit
label
RECOMMENDED MOTION
recommendation
That the Trial Period - Free Transit for Seniors be extended to July 1, 2021.
body
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To provide an update to City Council on the Free Transit for Seniors and recommend that the program be extended until July 1, 2021.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On February 18, 2020 Council passed the following motion CM-20-006:
That St. Albert citizens 65 years and older that qualify for the free All Aboard Program, be provided free local transit, including on the Handibus for a trial period of one year. At the end of the one-year period the trial should be assessed based on items such as cost to the municipality, ridership numbers etc. Furthermore, the estimated cost of $29,000 be funded from the Stabilization fund.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The pilot program was initially intended to be launched on April 26, 2020 with the Spring/Summer schedule, however due to COVID-19, transit fares were suspended from March 24, 2020 - July 1, 2020.
Upon reinstatement of fares on July 1, 2020, the pilot program was launched. Therefore, the extension of this pilot project is required to collect a full year of data. To date, the City Subsidy Coordinator has enrolled 33 seniors (28 - Handibus and 5 - Conventional) through the All Aboard Program. The 5 conventional senior patrons are mailed a free monthly local pass. Whereas the senior Handibus patrons are mailed local tickets.
To note, Council will be provided with an update of CM-20-010: Free All Aboard Program (Pilot) which is expected to conclude on July 1, 2021. Aligning the timeline of both Council Motions (CM-20-006 & CM-20-010) would assist Council in determining how the All Aboard Program should proceed going forward f...
Click here for full text