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Regional Handibus Feasibility Study

Jan 26, 2018 | 5:35 AM

Six area municipalities are working together to see if a regional handibus service would be feasible.

The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley and Village of Hythe have hired Watt Consulting Group that will be in the region next week to gather information.

The group will then compile a preliminary summary of the transportation needs and opportunities followed by public open houses and surveys planned for April.

“We will look at current community resources and travel patterns, examine gaps and opportunities for improvement and provide recommendations on how to address the most critical resident transportation needs,” says Tania Wegwitz, Sr. Transportation Planner & Transit Lead at Watt Consulting Group.

“We’re pleased to work with this partnership comprised of diverse communities. We look forward to lending our

experience in specialized transportation and innovative approaches to serving smaller communities with this initiative.”

The service would help seniors and those with disabilities get to and from their homes who may otherwise be not be able to leave their rural location.

Wembley will be footing the bill thanks to $67,500 Alberta Community Partnership grant.

Anyone with questions can contact HandibusStudy@wattconsultinggroup.com or 780-800-2957, Ext. 434.