In order for the Brooks-Medicine Hat transit service to continue, there will be a price increase on tickets and corporate sponsorship is needed.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The City of Brooks has embarked on a fundraising campaign in order to continue its transit service to Medicine Hat.
Current funding will only cover operational costs until the end of December, said Amanda Peterson, deputy CAO for the City of Brooks.
The transit service is a vital link for some people to get necessary medical treatment such as dialysis, cancer treatment or an appointment with a specialist in Medicine Hat, she said.
The transit service began in February 2019 as a regional pilot program facilitated by the City of Brooks, using one of its special transit buses.
Initially, funding of $56,000 came from what remained of a 2014 provincial government grant for regional transportation. As that funding has been declining the Brooks & District Health Foundation also made a one-time donation of $10,000.
Up to seven people have been using the service each trip, allowing for COVID safety protocols to be in place. Before the pandemic the transit bus could accommodate 16 passengers.
About 80 per cent of passengers use it for medical appointments while others need to get to Medicine Hat Regional Airport or the Service Canada office.
Peterson says there were only two days in the past three months with no passengers and one of those days was a public holiday.
A survey of people using the service indicated they valued it enough to pay more than they currently are. In accordance with that, the cost of a ticket will be increased on Jan. 1, 2021 from $10 to $20 for a one-way trip and $20 to $40 for a round trip.
Brooks is hoping to attract corporate and individual sponsors to provide the $40,000 a year for the service to continue. There are different levels of giving with perks such as advertising on the transit vehicle, said Peterson.
The bus leaves Brooks at 8 a.m. and departs Medicine Hat about 3 p.m.
Passengers must pre-book by calling 403-362-6190.
