REGIONAL RIDE-SHARING PROGRAM

WHAT IS IT?

A potential starting point for our Regional Transportation Strategy might well be a regional ride-sharing program.  Starting in the City of Lethbridge the program could be expanded to include surrounding areas.  Built upon a smart mobile app, it would be equivalent to a Uber-style service provided by vehicle owners administered on a not-for-profit basis much like other forms of public transit.  The app itself would serve both drivers and passenger to provide efficiency, timeliness and safety.  

OPERATORS

  • Driver’s License
  • Criminal record check
  • Insurance coverage
  • COVID status  
  • Vehicle safety inspection 
  • Route availability
  • Time availability
  • Vehicle location
  • Payment platform

PASSENGERS

  • Identification
  • COVID status
  • Payment method
  • Pickup time
  • Pickup place 
ADMINISTRATION
  • Operator registration
  • Passenger registration
  • Payment and Remittance processing.
  • Compliance management
  • Marketing and promotion.
  • Operator and Passenger matching

WHO NEEDS IT? 
We already know there are many reasons why families, workers, organizations and business owners might choose to live outside the City of Lethbridge while remaining within our economic “orbit”.   A study prepared by Environics Research for Choose Lethbridge (EDL) indicated pre-pandemic traffic levels of 17,000 people per day into Lethbridge from outlying areas.   Rising costs for fuel which includes the dreaded carbon taxes will serve to make travel for essential service more expensive than ever.  It makes sense to research and test a Regional Ride-Sharing service to bridge the expense gap while increasing the level of regional economic activity and long-term growth. 

 

The merits of a ride-sharing service is that it is driven by supply and demand.   Logically the need should be greatest among the largest communities on the East-West and North-South corridors.  For example: 
Pincher Creek – Fort Macleod – Lethbridge
Cardston – Magrath – Lethbridge
Raymond – Welling – Lethbridge
Claresholm – Monarch – Lethbridge
Vulcan  – Nobleford – Lethbridge
Turin – Picture Butte – Lethbridge
Warner – Stirling – Lethbridge
Taber – Coaldale Lethbridge

Subject to passenger demand and interest, extensions to Waterton, Crowsnest,  Coutts,  Vauxhall and Bow Island may become warranted.  

Scroll to Top