Rally-goers raise concerns about Lethbridge Transit’s cityLINK network

Jess Tollestrup, one of the organizers of the rally, said “the transit has become way less accessible for a lot of people and commute times have increased for a lot of folks.”

cityLINK features a fixed-route system of regular transit stops as well as Demand Response Zones for users in lower-ridership areas. Customers can call Lethbridge 311 or use the Rides on Demand mobile app to arrange a ride to their destination within the demand zone or at one of the city’s designated transit hubs.

Residents banded together Saturday, October 16 to share their concerns about the Lethbridge Transit system. (Video: Lethbridge News Now)

Tollestrup noted a concern in the demand zones impacts parents, saying “in the demand zones, if you are a single parent, whereas before you could just bring your stroller on the bus – now, you have to purchase and bring with you a car seat.”

“So, it [cityLINK system] was made without adequate consultation with the riders of transit and how it will impact them.”

She added that some users have said they “aren’t able to take transit to get home after work because it stop so early in the areas that they’re in.”

More information regarding the Demand Response Zones is available here.

Lethbridge City Council candidate Ryan Parker (on microphone) beside council candidate Chris Rowley during Saturday’s rally. (Lethbridge News Now)

Tollestrup is hopeful the network can be reviewed. Late last month, Lethbridge Transit confirmed that it has addressed some issues brought up about the system by concerned customers.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Transit addresses residential feedback on cityLINK network

With the change in transit services, many bus stops have been removed across the city, in order to set up the fixed-route system. Tollestrup said this means “a lot of people have to walk quite a few blocks to their stop.”

“[For] myself, I’m in the London Road area, so a pretty main area and I still have to walk six blocks, so I can’t imagine [for] folks in less busy areas…it’s going to be worse for them.”

She remarked that the long walks, particularly in the winter, will be especially difficult for seniors and Lethbridge residents with mobility issues.

Attendees with signage outside Lethbridge City Hall during the rally. (Lethbridge News Now)

A letter writing station was set up at the rally, allowing residents to write down any concerns they have with the service. The letters will be submitted to the City of Lethbridge.

The rally included speeches from community members and attendance from various Lethbridge City Council candidates, including Jenn Prosser, Chris Rowley, Marissa Black, Kelti Baird, Ryan Parker and mayoral candidate Blaine Hyggen.

Tollestrup said, “we want to make it know to council nominees and the incoming council that this is something that the community cares about.”

Further details about Lethbridge Transit are available here.

by Justin Goulet

Rally-goers raise concerns about Lethbridge Transit’s cityLINK network

What's Happening