By CHAT News Today

Province says rural Albertans won’t be left behind by Greyhound departure

Oct 31, 2018 | 5:41 PM

EDMONTON, AB — The provincial government says rural communities will not be left behind following the departure of Greyhound from Western Canada.

Wednesday was the final day for Greyhound, as the company announced in July it would no longer include routes through Western Canada.

The provincial and federal governments says they will invest up to $2 million per year, over two years, to provide service to small and rural communities. A news release from the Alberta government says they cost-sharing agreement will act as an incentive to draw proposals from private carriers to fill service gaps.

“For Albertans in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, bus services have been a lifeline to work, school, vital health care, family and friends,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation, in a news release. “That’s why our government will be working with companies to ensure that service continues across the province. We said we will not leave people stranded by the side of the road.”

Several private carriers, including Rider Express, Cold Shot, Red Arrow and Northern Express Bus Line, have announced expanded service to cover the existing Greyhound routes.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

This summer, the Alberta government’s Rural Transportation Pilot Program announced six communities, including Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, have received funding to provide options for people in rural Alberta.