Last week, the Rocky View County (RVC) council and Rocky View Regional Handibus Society (RVRHS) entered into a three-year funding agreement.

The agreement's conditions, which outline the money RVC would give the Handibus Society between 2024 and 2026, have been approved by the council.

The agreement is based on the population estimates from the federal census of 2021 and raises the per capita rate yearly. This year, the society will receive $444,400 next year $487,000 and $527,500 in 2026. 

The Handibus serves as a way of transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities to appointments or community support. They serve RVC, Crossfield, Irricana, Chestermere, Cochrane and Beiseker. As of 2019, RVRHS has been the only applicant and service provider offering residents of RVC specialized transportation.

Executive Director of the Handibus, Paul Siller explained usually they have to send applications to each municipality they serve each year.

"This will lighten the load for us and hopefully we can sign a few more of these agreements to make life even easier."

Up to 20 one-way excursions can be scheduled each month for $4 for every 10 km travelled, depending on the organization's current funding levels.

"We  are thrilled with the support that Rocky View County has given us for this and along the way."

Overall, the use of their services has increased by 10 per cent since the pre-pandemic levels and has increased by 16 per cent throughout the region since 2022.

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