City Transit Introduces New Route 56 in the South

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Beginning August 31, 2023, Transit Services is piloting the implementation of Route 56 in the South aimed at improving service reliability, particularly during peak traffic periods. The new route will also offer direct access from Southlands Boulevard and Masterpiece Lodge areas to prime shopping locations including the Medicine Hat Mall and the Walmart area.

“We expect this service adjustment to improve mid-day bus connections and strengthen rider confidence in our schedule,” said Gordon Dykstra, Manager of Transit Services. “Our goal is to improve on-time performance and increase access from high density residential areas to service and shopping districts.”

Details of the Changes:

Implementation of Route 56: Starting August 31, Route 56 will address peak traffic challenges on Dunmore Road. Operating hours are 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m, Monday to Friday.

Routes 53 & 61 Adjustments: The Strachan Bay leg of Route 53 will be covered by Route 56 during mid-day. On Route 61, the Southland Drive and Masterpiece Lodge sections will be covered by the new route, allowing Route 61 time to efficiently access the Medicine Hat College during mid-day peaks. Schedule timing for all routes remain unchanged.

Feedback Collection: In September, Transit Services will actively collect feedback from riders both in person and online. This direct engagement with transit users is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the new changes.

Evaluation Period: Feedback and transit data will be evaluated throughout October. Based on this data, further adjustments may be introduced in January.

Background: Increased and sustained traffic along Dunmore Road has made it challenging for transit service to Ross Glen and Southridge to adhere to schedule. This has frequently led to missed bus connections and unreliable periods of service. The introduction of the new Route 56 is a strategic move to address these challenges. The new service will be active during the peak traffic period, specifically from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and will be piloted throughout the Fall season.

Residents and transit users are encouraged to share their feedback once the changes are implemented online at www.medicinehat.ca/transit-feedback.