Get on the bus with Activan

OPINION

Get on the bus with Activan

There may be no such thing as a free ride, but there is a good ride and that's what Town Transit Co-ordinator Don Clarkson is hoping to convince local seniors of with the local Activan service. Clarkson appeared before Town council recently to give them an update on the plans for the local bus service for the coming year. Clarkson is hoping to see ridership double to roughly 4,000 trips this year from the 2,200 last year. In order to hit that target, however, he has to sell local seniors and others with disabilities on the benefits of taking Activan. The regular fare of $2 per trip (or $3 if afterhours) is certainly a bargain in this day and age and shouldn't be an obstacle in getting riders on board. However, letting residents know the service exists appears to be the biggest task facing Clarkson, a challenge he appears eager to accept. "You don't have to be going to the doctor or going to the hospital for physio to take advantage of our program," said Clarkson. "You could be going to the seniors' centre to play bridge or do your shopping at the Superstore or wherever you happen to shop or even going to the movies. All we have to know is where you want to go and what time you want to return and we need to know that the day before, at the latest." Clarkson also plans to take Activan to a cashless fare system by the end of February. Tickets will become available at various locations around town such as the libraries or the seniors' centre. As well, service hours will be increased to accommodate some requests for transportation during evening hours and on weekends. To sign up for Activan simply call 905-8732601 ext. 2617 to register as an eligible user...then leave the driving to them.