RMWB Transit gets a makeover
FORT MCMURRAY – Specialized Transit riders in Fort McMurray will soon see shorter pickup windows and more direct trips as the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo introduces changes aimed at improving the reliability of the service.
Beginning Nov. 16, Specialized Transit will move to a dedicated service model, replacing the current system with dedicated vehicles and more predictable pickup times.
The changes were approved by municipal council on Sept. 29 and announced by the municipality on Nov. 10.
Under the new model, pickup windows will shrink from approximately 30 minutes to five minutes, giving riders greater certainty about when their transportation will arrive.
The municipality says dedicated vehicles and service hours will also reduce the number of shared trips and intermediate stops, allowing passengers to travel more directly to their destinations.
The changes are expected to improve on-time performance from the current 87 per cent to at least 98 per cent.
Municipal officials say the improvements are intended to make Specialized Transit more reliable and convenient for riders who depend on the service for transportation throughout the community.
Despite the operational changes, service hours will remain unchanged, running daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Riders will also continue to be able to book trips up to seven days in advance using the Specialized Transit app, online booking portal or telephone.
The municipality says registered riders will receive information about the changes directly by phone and letter before the new service begins.
The communications will explain how the dedicated service operates, what riders can expect and whether any action is required on their part.
Families and caregivers will also be able to access information and assistance to help riders adjust to the new system.
Additional information is available through the municipality’s Specialized Transit website.
Residents with questions can also contact the municipality’s Pulse line at 780-743-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-973-9663.
The dedicated Specialized Transit service is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 16.
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