Parkland County Secures Federal Contribution to Expand Tri Region on Demand Transit Service

Parkland County, AB

Parkland County is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Federal contribution funding under the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) to support the expansion of the Tri Region On Demand Transit Service.

The funding will enable the purchase of two new buses, allowing the service to better meet the growing demands of ridership and extend coverage, particularly to the areas of Parkland Village and Acheson.

The total project cost is $385,000, with the RTSF contributing $308,000 (80%) and Parkland County contributing the remaining $77,000 (20%).

“The Tri Region On Demand Transit Service is a vital asset for our residents, connecting communities and ensuring accessibility in Parkland County, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain,” said Parkland County Mayor Allan Gamble. “This funding allows us to enhance the service by adding two additional buses, ensuring continued reliability and accommodating increased ridership – especially in the Parkland Village and Acheson areas. We are grateful for the Federal government’s investment, and pleased to make this important contribution to our community’s transit infrastructure.”

“This project demonstrates our commitment to better connecting communities across the country, whether urban or rural,” said George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Expanding public transit options and services through vehicle purchases will help all residents navigate their communities and access essential services with more ease.”

The Tri Region On Demand Transit Service operates throughout Parkland Village, Acheson, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain. To date, it has been serviced by buses purchased by the municipalities of Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, with Parkland County contributing on a costsharing basis to maintain service in its jurisdiction.

The new buses will be identical to the most recent vehicles purchased for the On Demand system. Each bus will have the capacity to transport 14 passengers and one wheelchair passenger, or 12 passengers with two wheelchair passengers. Both vehicles will be equipped with a curbside automatic wheelchair lift at the rear, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

The expansion of the Tri Region On Demand Transit Service underscores Parkland County’s commitment to enhancing mobility options for residents and supporting economic and social connectivity within the region.

The new buses are expected to be in service by the end of 2025.

For more information about the Tri Region On Demand Transit Service, including booking information, please visit Transit - Parkland County