County of Grande Prairie councillors have approved recommended changes to the County Connector Bus Service.
The biggest changes include two new Saturday trips between the City of Grande Prairie, Sexsmith and Clairmont, as well as a Saturday route from the City of Grande Prairie to Beaverlodge and Wembley.
Reeve Leanne Beaupre says despite some trips being fairly low in users, she is firm in her belief that the pilot project is a good value for money and is pleased to see it continue.
“It is a relatively new service and I think it’s one of those things that you have to put it out there and make sure people know it’s available to them, and until you use the service you don’t recognize that it’s a service you probably need.”
Among the changes are also additional stops on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to the Grande Prairie Wal-Mart. Beaupre says while it is a shopping hub, it means more for people wanting to continue their journey further.
“It’s a central location, and people will be able to go from there as well. Remembering also, wherever they stop on the bus they’re able to get into the city bus system from there as well.”
The additional routes will take the place of underutilized days on the same routes, such as early Monday morning, and late Monday afternoon.
The County Connector Advisory Board must present the proposed changes to the remaining five partnering municipalities, including the City of Grande Prairie, and if approved, changes will take effect on February 1, 2020.