The Rocky View Regional Handibus Society is seeking assistance from the community and is also asking the town to rethink funding to help with a shortfall that may question the future of the regional transit system.
“We’re operating on a shoestring,” said executive director Paul Siller.
“I’m a little concerned that Cochrane’s administration is telling everyone that a four per cent increase is all they can afford.”
Serving residents in Rocky View County, Cochrane, Chestermere, Crossfield and Carstairs, the society is largely reliant on municipal funding and service fees (namely through Rocky View Schools’ board) to keep the 17 buses afloat (four of which are based in Cochrane).
Siller is concerned that the recommended four per cent increase from Cochrane administration does not accurately reflect the growing number of active registrants from Cochrane (up from 252 in 2013, to 304 by Nov. 10, 2014).
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.
“When transportation is available, the entire family benefits,” said Siller, explaining that the number of 304 ‘active registrants’ doesn’t address the benefit to the family as a whole.
While Siller has requested a 16 per cent increase from Cochrane administration, 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 explained that throughout the province, rates vary from $2-$26 per capita with an average around $11 per capita.
The shortfall for the society in 2013 was over $10,000 and is predicted to be around $25,000 this year.
“Funding for the Rocky View Handibus Society has increased 154 per cent since 2012,” said Paige Milner, senior manager of corporate services for the town.
“An additional $17,000 is being requested by the society in 2015. Administration recommended a four per cent increase in 2015 so that funding is available to other non-profit organizations requesting increases, as well.”
Siller said the request for 16 per cent is based on a multi-year phased-in funding model; should services to Cochrane end, he said it would cost the town between $150,000-$210,000 (or around $10 per capita) to start its own services.
The bulk of the clientele that the society provides services for are persons with disabilities and seniors, as well services to the school.
The society receives no funding from Alberta Health Services and minimal provincial support.
The service runs weekdays, from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Passengers pay $4 for every 10 kilometres of distance travelled and are required to pre-book their transportation at least 24 hours in advance, whenever possible.
Head office is based in Airdrie, but the society does not provide services to that community. Visit rockyviewbus.ca to learn more.
