Transit manager seeks cash as system needs backup bus, faces new opportunities

When he is forced to nix a handi-bus weekend run, he said he loses valuable ridership he has worked hard to attract.

“There have been times when two buses are out of action and that causes me a nightmare,” he said.

Adding to the necessity for a new bus is the potential to acquire a contract to supply rides for the Saskatchewan Hospital and Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords branch.

Robertson said it could net the operation an additional $40,000 a year in revenue. The new guests would add to the eligible ridership, resulting in a larger provincial operating grant from the Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities (TAPD) fund and lessen the amount of money he asks for each year from council. He said the TAPD grant could rise from just under $45,000 to around $53,000 or even $60,000.

“I hate turning work away to bring in revenue where we could benefit,” he said.

A new bus comes with a price tag of around $110,000. Robertson has already secured a $55,000 grant from TAPD and asked the outstanding amount be split 70/30 between the city and town as a handi-bus is being eyed. Handi-buses serve both communities and can be retrofit to act as transit bus when need be.

The deal leaves the city on the hook for $38,500 and the town to cover $16,500. Robertson will pitch the town on the proposal July 15.

While understanding the city is faced with mounting financial pressure, Robertson said the transit system has not approached municipal leaders for capital funding in quite some time. The system has typically been able to operate with surplus dollars or secure federal grants.

Mayor Ryan Bater called the situation imminent based on the state of the existing fleet and the opportunity to better serve the community. At the same time, he too pointed to the pile of red ink on the books.

“Taking on new expenses is a very difficult thing for council, but at the same time, there is an opportunity to leverage funds from other sources,” he said. “It is not a decision we can make lightly as it is money we did not budget for.”

The item will come back to council on July 15 for a decision.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by Tyler Marr

Transit manager seeks cash as system needs backup bus, faces new opportunities

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