The Town of Blackfalds wants a formal setting to talk about BOLT Transit with the City of Lacombe.

On Tuesday night, council directed administration to meet with the city’s staff in hopes of creating a committee aimed at resolving what Mayor Richard Poole called, "issues" with the regional bus service.

“We understand that the service was going to have challenges during the first few years. Our ridership is growing this year … so we’re hoping that will continue. We’re looking forward to making this a long-term project,” Poole said.

A Red Deer Transit bus pulls into Sorensen Station. Red Deer Transit also operates the BOLT service, currenlty under review.

“What it’s added to everyone, Lacombe and Blackfalds, is the ability for citizens who might not have transportation, citizens who believe in a green alternative, to move forward and utilize BOLT to get to either Lacombe or Red Deer to medical appointments. And also for citizens from Lacombe and Red Deer to come to Blackfalds.”

Concerns over low ridership arose when Lacombe’s council met in committee on Monday to review the service. One councillor has said the city should leave its transit deal with Blackfalds and explore other ways to deliver public transportation. The mayor has also expressed skepticism with ridership growth.

Lacombe’s administration was directed to look into what it would cost the city to exit the BOLT agreement, as well as costing for alternative methods for transit.

Poole declined to comment on the impact on Blackfalds should that happen.

“It’s not productive for another council to try to judge another council on what they’re doing,” he said. “I think the working committee will be able to move forward, look at ways to improve the service and have a successful product.”

He was excited about an idea from city staff to attract more riders from Burman University, by creating a low-cost pass for students and tailoring service to their needs.

“That was a wonderful initiative of the City of Lacombe. I’m hoping that will add something and we can work that into our program,” Poole said.