Lethbridge Transit has been gathering information and bus rider feedback since the new CityLINK network was implemented in August. There are four major demand zones in the city and riders can book a demand ride where a bus will pick them up by using an app or by calling 311. General Manager for Lethbridge Transit, Tim Sanderson, says transit has met the goal of speeding up efficiency with on time performance being at 25 per cent. There is also a 6.8 per cent reduction of riders needing a transfer. Sanderson says there are also some bigger issues which have been addressed since the program started. Each quarter, transit reviews its service levels and makes adjustments. The next review is slated for November.
Below are some of the issues that have been addressed by transit:
- Platform revisions have already been made at the Park & Ride terminal to address congestion issues.
- cityLINK #1 Gold route schedule was adjusted to better align with transfer times.
- myRide app has been updated to help clarify the demand trip booking process.
- Additional early-morning service added to get riders from west Lethbridge to the hospital, City Centre and industrial areas.
- Booking for demand response zones has shifted to open at 5:50 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. to accommodate early morning trips.
- Reallocated resources to mitigate capacity concerns at Southgate Demand Zone.
- Now that stops have been solidified, new signage will be in place in the next few weeks.
- Demand bus drivers can assist riders who do not have access to a phone by booking their trip for them.
Amenities such as benches and shelters are currently being installed at cityHUBS and other key locations over the next several weeks.
Once November hits, these are a few of the proposed changes that are being considered:
- Schedules for routes 51, 52 and 53 will be altered to improve on-time performance and connectivity.
- ATB Centre, which currently acts as a hub station during off peak times, will shift to become a hub station all day
- cityLINK Orange route pattern will change around Exhibition Park to increase speed and improve connectivity.
Fore more information on CityLINK you can visit https://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/getting-around/Transit/Pages/default.aspx