Public transit gets public input

A public forum addressing proposed transit changes has provided city administration with a few new thoughts.

About 10 people showed up to the Wednesday meeting, but the entire city could be affected by route changes as early as July.

A number of route changes were discussed, with Carment Court residents expressing some concerns that removing a route on Eighth Street East might make it tougher for them to access transit.

Transportation project manager Keri Sexsmith noted that a new stop would be on First Avenue East in front of Sherman Towers, which is relatively close to Carment Court.

She added that she would certainly look at potentially adjusting the switch.

"That's the reason for having the meeting today: to see if these routes will work for you guys. If not, we can always look at making different changes," said Sexsmith.

Another key issue brought up was the need for a route along 15th Street from the West Flat to SIAST and the Cornerstone area.

Mayor Jim Scarrow told those attending the meeting that he would commit to making that route a reality.

The meeting also touched on other new ideas, including buses with low floors to eliminate passengers needing to walk up stairs, signs listing exact pickup times and a new downtown transfer station along 14th Street East.

The transfer station would stop buses from clogging up Central Avenue and provide riders with shelters, vending kiosks and increased lighting.

Sexsmith said the station should be operational by September.

Bus service on Sundays, as well as keeping some routes open until 11 p.m., were two issues brought up by one woman attending.

She said transit should be looked upon as a service that needs investment.

Director of public works Colin Innes agreed.

"I don't think transit should be something where you are trying to operate it as something for profit ... or even break even," said Innes.

He added extended hours had been discussed and the city would continue to look at the feasibility of boosting bus service hours.

A map of proposed route changes is available at www.citypa.ca.