Lethbridge Transit reported to council that they have the highest ridership numbers in the history of the service and a $1.3 million improvement in financial performance from 2022-2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Transit provides update to council on transit changes, successes

Jun 26, 2024 | 9:26 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge City Council received updates on the status of city transit on Tuesday, June 25.

Lethbridge Transit reported to council that they have the highest ridership numbers in the history of the service and a $1.3 million improvement in financial performance from 2022-2023.

They reported that ridership numbers increased 31 per cent between 2022 and 2023, and a further 35 per cent between 2023 and March of 2024. Lethbridge Transit also saw a surplus of $312,000 in 2023 after three years of deficits of more than $1 million per year.

Council approved a resolution to re-invest annual surpluses within the Transit and Access-a-Ride approved 2023-2026 Operating Budget back into operations to enhance Transit and Access-a-Ride services in the city.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen said, “There has been a significant amount of change in the transit department over the last several years. This includes the cityLINK redesign, several changes in leadership and of course the pandemic. After a deliberate and concerted effort to minimize change and focus on continuous improvement, we are happy to see a more stabilized transit system for our riders and our staff.”

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Customer service staff are now working out of the Downtown Park’ n’ Ride terminal, and the city will create an advisory committee later this year to provide continued feedback and guidance to the Transit department.

Hyggen added, “I want to thank our transit riders for their patience and understanding as we work towards a system that is successful and sustainable.”

A full list of topics brought to council from Lethbridge Transit can be found here.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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