Jasper’s transit system is running ahead of schedule when it comes to ridership numbers, according to the municipality.
The system provided service to 41,850 riders from its launch in September 2023 to July 22 when the townsite was evacuated due to wildfire. Transit did not operate for the entire month of August.
“That’s actually ahead of the forecasted number of riders, [which] would be 34,000 in the transit strategy and action plan,” CAO Bill Given told council on Tuesday (Oct. 1). “So, even with a month less service, we were still ahead of the forecasted number of riders.”
Jasper Transit re-launched on Sept. 17 on a recovery schedule, in step with the first day of school as this service provides busing for students. Over the first nine days, there has been a slow but steady increase in ridership, according to municipal administration.
“We explicitly launched the new schedule as a recovery schedule, recognizing that as new housing comes on stream and other factors come up, there will likely be a need to adjust the service,” Given said. “And we will be ready to make adjustments in the later winter season.”
Given reported prior to the evacuation, June was showing a strong start for the summer season, exceeding ridership in September 2023, which was previously the strongest month, when the service had been free.
For the April 1 to July 22 period, pass sales were over $14,000. Jasper Park Lodge signed on for a corporate bulk purchase that will add over $60,000 in annual revenue. The municipality has also requested $8,000 for lost transit revenue as part of its financial stabilization request to the Alberta government.
Earlier this year, the municipality put out a request for a proposal for electric buses. Upon closing on Aug. 13, one submission was received. Council is expected to hear an update next week.
Constrution on the upcoming transit fleet is underway with the facility anticipated to be completed in late spring next year.
Council received the transit service update for information.
