Residents of Lacombe, Blackfalds and Red Deer are taking full advantage of the region’s transit system. 

Numbers for BOLT show a steady increase in ridership from previous years, according to a recent report. 

Ridership is up almost 29 per cent since the beginning of September, compared to a year ago.

Community and Economic Development Manager for the City of Lacombe Guy Lapointe said the amount of people riding BOLT has been encouraging. 

“In terms of monthly numbers, that means a growth from about 1,650, in the terms of riders, to about 1,850. We’re closing in on that 2,000 riders a month number which is huge,” said Lapointe.

Mayor of Blackfalds Melodie Stol said Bolt has benefited a lot of people including students who need to travel inside the region.

“The principal of the adult high school in Lacombe says she has actually seen students coming from Red Deer to attend the high school program in Lacombe,” said Stol.

“People are recognizing that the BOLT goes both ways and there’s things in the corridor for everyone to use.”

From September 2015 to August 2016 over 18,000 people used the transportation service and there has been almost 7,500 riders since September.

For more information on pricing or scheduling visit either the Lacombe, Blackfalds or Red Deer website.