About 30 Airdrie residents attended the Aug. 3 City council meeting in hopes of finding a solution to commuter bus woes.
The problem started in April, when the City’s announcement of the InterCity Express (ICE) bus system prompted First Student Canada (FSC) to halt its service to downtown Calgary, leaving commuters scrambling.
At the meeting, council endorsed a newly proposed ICE route, 902, to decrease travel time to downtown Calgary. However, that route would have west-side only pickups, leaving east-side residents without service.
Residents tried to convince council to include east-side pickups for route 902 of the InterCity Express (ICE).
“We wanted to know when that decision was made,” said Peter Kellar, a Big Springs resident and Calgary commuter.
Kellar said previous discussions included pickup points on both sides of the city, but this recent change happened quickly and without much public input. Additionally, FSC’s elimination compounded residents’ concerns but Ald. Shawn Howard said the company has the right to stop its service.
“FSC is going to other markets where they can make more money,” said Howard. “They’re a business… they provide a private service.”
Kellar said he understands FSC’s decision, but many east-side residents will be without a downtown bus service in the fall.
“I don’t think there’s going to be anything in the near future,” he said.
Kellar, an IT consultant, has been commuting to downtown Calgary since 2003 and said it will be years before Airdrie has a robust, functioning service into Calgary.
“It is through the collective efforts of the commuters themselves that a completely new service may evolve,” said commuter Nicole Tarkowski.
The ICE service was designed to connect Airdrie residents to Calgary Transit, allowing them to visit doctors, shop and conduct business via Centre Street.
It was never meant to assume the role of a downtown commuter, said Mayor Linda Bruce.
“We’re trying to stick a round peg into a square hole,” she said. “That’s not working.”
Some councillors offered their sympathies, but said ICE buses likely would not morph into downtown Calgary commuter buses.
“My concern now is that I don’t think we can turn the ICE service into a commuter service,” said Ald. Marlene Weaver.
“Honestly, I don’t know what the solution is. The ICE service was a great idea. The commuter was a great idea. I don’t see it blending together.”
“It’s unfortunate — all we can do is work with the city and explore other options ourselves,” said Kellar.
The residents at the meeting mentioned they have contacted Traxx, a Medicine Hat bus company with a local terminal, in an effort to attract another direct commuter service to Airdrie.
