Title
Tri-Municipal Local Transit Service Update
Proposed Motions
1. That the Tri-Municipal Local Transit Service Update be received for information, as presented.
2. That Administration be directed to develop options for Transit Service to Parkland Village as part of a new Tri-Municipal Local Transit service; and, provide Council with an update by Q3 2020.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To update the Committee of the Whole on the progress of the Tri-Municipal Local Transit Service.
Summary
Parkland County currently participates in three transit relationships. The first is the existing commuter transit system, operated by the City of Spruce Grove and Edmonton Transit Systems (ETS) that is in place servicing the Acheson Business area. The second is the Tri-Municipal Local Transit Service that involves a new partnership between Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County as a local and inter-municipal service within the tri-region. Lastly, the Regional Commuter Transit Commission partnership, which is exploring the creation of a Regional Transit Commission that would interconnect a transit service for the tri-municipal area and other regional transit service areas, including integration with the City of Edmonton’s transit network.
Tri-Municipal Updates
Spruce Grove enhanced their local transit service in September of 2019. This local transit service increased the service for Spruce Grove’s residents by providing increased transit options for moving around the Spruce Grove area. Stony Plain is projected to begin their local transit service in September of 2020. Stony Plain is proposing to offer local transit within Town limits as well as to strategic locations such as the Trans Alta Tri Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove.
Parkland Village Service
The initiation of the local transit service in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain opens the opportunity to introduce an extension of this service to Parkland Village to connect commuters into the local Spruce Grove routes and possibly to Stony Plain. This ultimately improves and increases the transportation options within the three municipalities to both the local service and the commuter services into Acheson and Edmonton. Based on two morning trips and two afternoon trips per day, it is estimated the cost to implement service to Parkland Village would be in the order of $25,000 annually. Detailed costs would be refined prior to final approval and implementation of service. Funding sources for this initiative would also require review. Administration would return to Council with options identified.
At this time, Administration is seeking direction from Council to pursue the option of Transit in the Parkland Village area as identified in the motion above.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principle 1.1 - We offer a range lifestyle choices, community services, and other amenities to meet community needs.
Guiding Principle 1.2 - We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, trails, and technology.
Guiding Principle 4.1 - We are recognized leaders in municipal governance, managing our resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we leave a vibrant and resilient community legacy to those that follow us.
Guiding Principle 4.2 - We are an organization that values, proactively builds, and continues to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A