Paul Siller, general manager of the Rocky View Regional Handibus Society, received a nod from the transit industry Nov. 19 — as he was presented an Excellence Award for his work with the society.
The award was presented to Siller by the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA), recognizing him as ‘the driving force behind expansion of the agency to provide improved mobility throughout a large geographic area of rural communities’.
“We got an award for doing what we’ve been doing the last three years,” said Siller, crediting the other handibus drivers for their commitment and hard work.
“Last year we got all the municipalities on board for the funding model,” said Siller, who appealed to seven municipal councils, expanding the service from a specialized paratransit service that transported persons with disabilities to medical appointments to a regional service transporting a wider demographic of persons in need of transportation.
“We’re halfway there in getting the money we need.”
While Siller requested a 16 per cent increase from Cochrane administration for the 2015 budget, only a four per cent increase was approved. The current rate is $5.20 per capita with a board approval to move up to $5.70 per capita in 2015 (and a further 50 cent increase in 2016 and again in 2017).
Siller is concerned that this increase from Cochrane does not accurately account for the growth in active registrants in town, when compared to other municipalities the society services.
By Nov. 10, 2014, there were 304 active registrants in Cochrane (252 by the end of Sept., 2013).
By comparison, the service had 154 active registrants in the county by the end of September 2014; 72 in Chestermere; 28 in Crossfield; 42 in Carstairs; and 17 residing in ‘other’ locations.
“Most places seem to be averaging $11 per capita and we’re hoping to get to around $9 per capita (eventually) to be able to continue to provide a high level of service.”
Siller credits his team for the growth of the society and improved customer service since its 2003 inception.
“My board gave me a wonderful challenge…I couldn’t have done any of this without the help from my colleagues.”
Alberta Health Services does not provide funding for transportation and the society receives minimal provincial support; visit rockyviewbus.ca for more info.
