BOLT Transit, the regional service launched by Blackfalds, Lacombe, and Red Deer, has been awarded a Community Economic Development award by Economic Developers Alberta (EDA).
EDA presented its annual Awards of Excellence during its 2015 annual conference on April 9th. The awards honour Alberta communities and individuals for excellence in business and investment attraction, business retention and expansion and community economic development.
“Given that we were competing against much larger centres like Edmonton and Calgary, it is safe to say that this is a first-class achievement and a glowing testament to all the hard work and commitment that has gone into this very successful partnership,” said City of Lacombe Mayor Steve Christie.
“It has been very exciting for Blackfalds to be a part of the BOLT public transit initiative,” said Town of Blackfalds Mayor Melodie Stol. “I am extremely proud of the collaborative work that was been done with the cities of Red Deer and Lacombe to bring about this much needed service that has provided benefit to all of the residents in our communities, including commuters, students and seniors.”
“This service is the culmination of years of excellent regional collaboration,” said City of Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer. “We are proud that our work and successful partnership has been recognized, but we are even more gratified that we are achieving our environmental goals, we are meeting demands for alternative transportation in our growing communities in a cost effective manner, and our residents are pleased with the service.”
BOLT Transit launched in August 2014 as a way of connecting Red Deer, Blackfalds, and Lacombe residents.
Riders save money on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance costs while helping the environment, officials say. The regional service makes six round trips per day on weekdays and three round trips on Saturdays.
Energy efficient, accessible buses include bikes racks and free Wi-Fi.
The EDA is Alberta’s economic development network dedicated to advancing the economic development profession in the province of Alberta by providing an active network of communications, information and education. It is a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, who represent the interests of its membership as a whole.