Lethbridge Transit
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Lethbridge Transit (also known commonly as LA Transit) manages and operates the municipally-owned public transportation system in Lethbridge, Alberta.
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[edit] History
Public transit in Lethbridge began in 1912 and consisted of a streetcar system operated by the Lethbridge Municipal Railway. The system consisted of three lines, all originating at the southwest corner of what is now Galt Gardens. One line ran to north Lethbridge, one to the exhibition grounds via 6 Avenue, and the third to St. Michael's Hospital via 13 Street. Each car was operated by two men until 1917, when the number was reduced to a single operator on each. At the height of its operations, the streetcar system ran 10 cars over a total of 10 miles of track.
Given the cost of laying new tracks to accommodate city growth, the city began introducing motor buses in 1941. By 1947, the streetcar system had been abandoned, with the North Lethbridge line being the last to operate.
[edit] Operations
The public transportation system that Lethbridge Transit oversees consists of 40 buses (with an average age of 10 years)—including 8 Euro-styled New Flyers put in operation in August 2006—that cover most of the city on 16 routes.[1] Traditionally, all bus routes in the city started and ended downtown. In the early 21st century, however, cross-town and shuttle routes were introduced. All routes use wheelchair-accessible buses.
As of 2004, Lethbridge Transit had an annual ridership of 2,726,872 [2] on over 30 buses. Expenses for the same year amounted to $5,086,584 with revenues at $2,395,918.
[edit] Recent projects
In 2006, Lethbridge Transit explored the possibility of a universal bus pass system for post secondary students in Lethbridge. University of Lethbridge students voted against the system.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Mabell, Dave. "Richard keeps the city's buses on the road", Lethbridge Herald, 2006-09-09, p. A4. (in English)
- ^ City Council Meeting minutes, 7 February 2005
