After a year of uncertainty as to whether their service was even wanted in Cochrane, the Rocky View Regional Handibus Society is excited to see town council more willing to cooperate in 2013.
Paul Siller, general manager for the Handibus, said Cochrane’s unwillingness to commit to the transportation service in 2012 was very de-motivating, but that the New Year is expected to bring a better working relationship between the two parties.
“It was a significant waste of our resources to have to beg for our funding in 2012,” Siller said, “but I am encouraged that they (town council) are on board for our full 2013 request (about $84,000).”
The Handibus’s third quarter (Jan. 1 – Sept. 30) financial report for 2012 reveals a significant shortfall when it comes to the cost/revenue net balance the transportation company absorbs providing service to Cochranites.
With a total estimated cost of $143,417 for the Handibus’s services to Cochrane during the third quarter, which includes 2,292 total trips, revenue of $79,179 brought about a $64,238 net loss the company had to endure.
Compared to other municipalities – like Chestermere and Rocky View County, regions Siller said bought into the service they provide rather quickly – Cochrane was a difficult pill to swallow.
“Cochrane’s usage has grown faster than our projections,” Siller said, adding that the Handibus had taken over the service in 2010. “Despite several residents leaving the community, our passenger list is now 197 Cochrane residents. The demographic of Cochrane has changed with retirees moving to Cochrane, but maintain a need to access specialist things in Calgary…the longer distances consume more resources.”
Siller also believed the potential impact of a public transit plebiscite would have an effect on what kind of service the Handibus would provide to Cochranites, saying that a ‘no’ to transit would include their work as well.
“Some of the ‘no transit’ crowd had trouble understanding what we do,” he said, “or that fares are subsidized.”
A community fundraising effort will continue in 2013 for the Handibus Society. Siller said they will be looking to raise $20,000-$30,000 for their operational costs. They will also hope to garner an additional $240,000 for two full-sized buses and two wheelchair-accessible minivans.
“We are working on requests to area service clubs and corporate community investment programs,” explained Siller. “Then we will approach the public.”
Thus far, Siller has targeted 25 service clubs and 18 corporations that have voiced an interest in the Handibus’s services.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Handibus Society can send cheques to their office in Airdrie, or donate online at atbcares.com.
