You may have seen the colourful buses driving around Lac La Biche County and wondered who is using them and where they are going. You may be surprised to learn that users of the bus service, formally known as the Lac La Biche County Community Access System, include pretty much anyone who needs transportation within LLB County.
Lisa Wesley is part of a team of drivers that helps keep the services running. She pointed out that there are two types of transportation services available for residents of Lac La Biche County.
COMMUNITY ACCESS PARATRANSIT
The first type of transportation is the Community Access Paratransit Bus Service. This service provides door-to-door transportation within the County to persons with either permanent or temporary disabilities, and our seniors. Those who use the service must register with the County in advance and are billed monthly for the rides taken. Costs range from $4 for a one-way trip inside the hamlet to $16 for a return trip county-wide.
COMMUNITY ACCESS BUS SERVICE
The second type of transportation is offered between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday to anyone in need of a ride in Lac La Biche County, whether it is to a doctor’s appointment, a trip for groceries, a ride to college, or a trip to a recreational activity. Fees are very reasonably priced at $2 per ride or $5 per family. The drivers accept the exact fare at designated bus stops, and 12-ride passes are available for purchase at the Bold Centre for both individuals and families at $20 and $50, respectively. Pick-up is arranged at a designated stop by phoning (780) 404-3480 at least one hour in advance. Special arrangements can be made for rural service.
RIDER SAFETY IS THE TOP PRIORITY
Wesley points out that the pandemic has impacted the number of riders taking advantage of the services in recent months, but things are starting to pick up. “The sanitization of our buses and the safety of our riders remains our top priority,” says Wesley. “We ensure that all touchable surfaces are cleaned after each rider has used the service.”
While those making use of the system are as varied as those who make up our community, Wesley makes special mention of the Lac La Biche County Interagency, a council of agencies providing community services in the region. She points out that this group is a big supporter of community-sponsored transportation in the region and is key to ensuring that those who may require a ride the most are aware of the services.
For more information about the Lac La Biche County Community Access System, check out their web page at: https://www.laclabichecounty.com/our-services/fcss-and-community-development/community-access-system-busing .
