A Lethbridge Transit bus. (Photo supplied by City of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Transit addresses residential feedback on cityLINK network

Sep 23, 2021 | 11:13 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Transit is taking a look at its newly launched cityLINK network.

The system was implemented on August 25, and residents have been submitting their feedback since then, to help Lethbridge Transit improve the service.

General Manager Tim Sanderson said, “we want to thank our riders for working with us through this transition and for taking the time to submit feedback through the 311 call centre.”

“We truly value each comment we have received and our team has been reviewing each of them as they will be used to shape future improvements to the network.”

Map inside the Park ‘n’ Ride Transit Terminal, along with a poster for the cityLINK network. (Lethbridge News Now)

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Sanderson noted that what may seem like a small change “can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.”

“We are always looking for ways to improve the system but changes must be done in a deliberate and focused manner.”

Each quarter, Lethbridge Transit reviews its service levels and makes any necessary adjustments. The department’s next review starts in November.

Below are some of the changes that have been addressed by the city transit service:

• 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.
• The myRide app has been updated to help clarify the demand trip booking process.
• Additional early-morning service has been 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.
• Staff have 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 like benches and shelters are being installed at cityHUBS and other key locations over the next few weeks.

Some changes that will be considered during the review starting in November include:

• Schedules for routes 51, 52 and 53 will be altered to improve on-time performance and connectivity.
• The ATB Centre, which currently acts as a hub station during off peak times, will shift to become a hub station all day.
• The cityLINK Orange route pattern will change around Exhibition Park to increase speed and improve connectivity.

The City of Lethbridge noted that since launching, the cityLINK network has met the goal of increasing the overall speed and efficiency of public transit. On-time performance is up by 25 per cent and there has been a 6.8 per cent reduction in the number of riders requiring transfers.

Sanderson said, “as customers and operators begin to get used to the system, it will continue to improve.”

“Operators have had to completely change how they complete their routes in order to stay on schedule and I commend them for being adaptable to such a significant change.”

For residents that are looking to plan their new route, information is available here or on the myRide mobile app, available in the Apple and Google Play stores. Lethbridge Transit staff are also available to answer any questions in-person at the Downtown Park ‘n’ Ride Transit Terminal, or over the phone via Lethbridge 311.