A pilot project that is launching soon known as the 2A South Regional Transit project will connect residents in the communities of Innisfail and Penhold to the city of Red Deer.

This long-awaited initiative was funded by the above communities along with Red Deer County and around $700,000 from the Government if Alberta.

Jo-Ann Symington Community Services Manager for RD County says it is something that will be very handy for those that cannot drive, or choose not to.

“Currently we're going through all the details of the routing, timing, scheduling for the service and then at a later date in the new year we will be announcing details so riders will know how to access the service.”

Residents will be able to connect with the above communities and then will have access to the Red Deer transit system through the stop at Bower Mall bus stop. Since it is just a pilot project, they are hoping to find out how in demand the system is, and from there will determine the future need.

“The pilot project is really to determine who will be using it, the ridership numbers and then from there we will determine if the municipalities will continue with this service.”

The first month that it is launched will be free of charge, and Symington says she hopes residents take advantage, after that it will be $5.00 per trip.