Regional Transit Statement from Mayor Bill Daneluik

“Despite Edmonton City Council’s decision last week against funding the Edmonton Metropolitan Transit Services Commission, the City of Beaumont will continue to pursue other opportunities for transit partnerships with our regional neighbours.

“The City of Edmonton, like Beaumont, was a supporter of a regional approach to transit from day one. While I understand that each municipality must weigh budgetary concerns and that there are difficult decisions, it does not bode well for future regional initiatives when Edmonton City Council reneges on its commitments after years of work. 

“This Regional Transit Commission initiative has taken considerable public dollars and numerous hours of effort from Councils and Administrations throughout the Edmonton Metropolitan Region in the last several years. I am very concerned that municipalities will now approach other regional initiatives from a position of apprehension instead of trust.

“Beaumont continues to be a strong supporter of a truly integrated transit service that is planned and operated regionally. Though the Commission would have grown service and ridership for the benefit of our residents and the regional economy, we believe there are still opportunities to collaborate with our immediate neighbours to improve transit service.”

Media contact:
Mike Berezowsky
Director, Communications
780-243-0458
mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca