The path forward appears smooth for Lethbridge Transit according to a recent report discussed at Lethbridge City Council.
At its June 25 meeting, city council received information on some changes happening with the transit service that are showing positive results for ridership and revenue.
Officials say with the highest ridership figures in the service’s history, along with a $1.3 million improvement in financial performance from 2022-2023, Lethbridge Transit is building momentum for continued enhancements and growth.
The City of Lethbridge says ridership numbers went up 31 per cent between 2022 and 2023, with a further 35 per cent jump between 2023 and March of this year. This increase is higher than the past highest figures seen in 2019.
Improvements to the transit budget were also noted. Following three years of deficits of more than $1 million per year, the department saw a surplus of $312,000 in 2023 and is on track to do even better in 2024.
Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen says, “We know budgets are extremely tight across all City departments, and the strides Lethbridge Transit have been able to make to reduce their budget are helping to minimize the pressure on Lethbridge taxpayers.”
“I also want to thank our transit riders for their patience and understanding as we work towards a system that is successful and sustainable.”
Some changes, following an internal department review, include improved corporate alignment, management modifications, improvements to customer service, and a boost to financial management.
Hyggen says, “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.”
The City says there is now dedicated staff at the Downtown Park ‘n’ Ride terminal to improve customer service. Later this year, a transit advisory committee will be established to provide feedback and guidance to department staff. Officials add that more transit hubs will be completed this year, establishing more amenities for riders along major routes.
Transportation General Manager Darwin Juell says, “I am really proud of the work Transit staff have been doing to help create a better experience for our riders.”
Juell adds, “We know there is still work to be done, but these improvements are helping us trend in the right direction.”
At its meeting, council also approved a resolution to direct Administration to reinvest annual surpluses within the Transit and Access-a-Ride approved 2023-2026 Operating Budget back into operations.
More information on some of the changes to Lethbridge Transit is available here.
