File photo of a Lethbridge Transit Bus (Lethbridge News Now)

By Karsen Marczuk

Lethbridge Transit introducing new cityLINK system, cutting ride times in half

May 31, 2021 | 11:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– Transit users may have a new option to get around the city.

Lethbridge Transit is introducing the cityLINK network, which is scheduled to roll out Sept. 21. The project represents a total redesign of the transit system. Combining high frequency lines, neighbourhood lines and demand response zones, cityLINK intends to improve the lives of Lethbridge citizens through physical, economic and social mobility.

The project will rethink mobility in Lethbridge by maximizing potential efficiency and effectiveness by providing appropriate levels of transit service to current and potential customers.

In areas where high ridership potential exists, frequency will be improved and trip times will be reduced. In areas that have low ridership potential, ‘demand response service’ will be introduced in order to ensure that these areas maintain access to public transportation. Additional service level determinations will be based on time of day and day of the week, but the span of service for Lethbridge Transit will be unchanged.

The new service, combined with the already existing service will work together in order to provide “excellent” coverage for the entire city.

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“We believe that cityLINK provides the highest level of transit service to the greatest number of people while ensuring the impact to existing customers is mitigated,” says Tim Sanderson, General Manager, Lethbridge Transit. “We believe that cityLINK will drastically enhance mobility in our community by providing options and significantly decreasing travel times.”

Under the cityLINK plan, residents will be able to get from the University of Lethbridge to the downtown core faster and enjoy the improved access to destination areas such as the ATB Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital, and the Mayor Magrath commercial zone.

“Where the big benefit is, is transit is going to be relevant in Lethbridge,” says Sanderson. “Right now, if I wanted to go from the Super Store to the University, it will take me probably over an hour on the bus, for example, under the cityLINK system that trip will take roughly 28 minutes. So cutting those travel times in half, not requiring people to transfer buses, our goal is to provide the best possible transit system for the budget we’re allowed.”

City Council asked Lethbridge Transit to cut $350,000 from its budget, and Transit notes that cityLINK will not cost residents anything. No new buses will be purchased as the project aims to help redesign the current transit routes, however, more staff may be hired once cityLINK starts operating.

“Although the cityLINK network has been designed to improve transit, it is acknowledged that this change may be disruptive to some existing customers,” added Sanderson. “Lethbridge Transit will ensure residents have the information and trip planning tools they need to confidently prepare for the new service and adjustments.”

Residents are invited to learn more about the new cityLINK project and complete a short survery, which is open until June 18. The comments received will be developed into a summary report that will be shared with City Council on July 13.

Further details, maps and the survey are available here: http://www.getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/transit-citylink.