Town Council has stepped up to assist the Stettler Handi-Bus Society with leasing a new vehicle.
During their first November meeting, council members welcomed a delegation from the Stettler Handi-Bus Society.
The service provides transportation for those disabled or 60+ around Stettler.
They explained their current bus lease is expiring next year, and maintenance costs have increased after repair work on the tires & brakes.
The society has been concerned the cost of a new bus lease would drain their organisation’s reserves.
As such, they’re looking to downsize from their current 14 passenger bus, to an 8 seat van with a wheelchair ramp.
They feel this is the best course of action, as they see between 2-4 passengers at a time.
After discussing the topic at the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting, the issue was brought back to council on Nov 19.
Council voted to dedicate the remaining $14,000 in their culture fund to assisting the Handi-bus Society with the down payment on a new van. The new vehicle is expected to arrive sometime in the spring.
Through fundraising efforts, & buying out the remaining lease so the bus can be sold privately, the society hopes to keep the new lease payments affordable.
The council motion also approves the original $25,000 request for the Handi-bus Society’s 2025 Operating Budget.
In 2023, the Handi-bus Society reported just over 5000 passengers, with over 1,500 using walkers or wheelchairs.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
