Following town council approval, Whitecourt Transit is expected to launch a new express route later this year.
Officials say the route should result in shorter wait times at stops, less time on the bus and faster trips to select destinations for transit riders.
In 2025, the town hired Watt Consulting Group Ltd. to review its transit system and present options to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the network.
The key takeaways from the group’s review suggest:
- Peak service could be enhanced by introducing an express route providing direct connections between destinations with the most commuter travel.
- The primary hourly service is “well-liked” and easily understood, although there is an opportunity to improve efficiency in west Whitecourt and between Hilltop and Downtown.
- Eight stops should be prioritized for improvements once funding becomes available to do so.
- Customer-facing schedules could be redesigned for better user clarity.
Watt Consulting Group proposed multiple improvement options, including a “Long Express” option. The route would only be utilized during peak hours and would replace the current peak service.
With peak service frequently utilized by youth, the new express route is designed to provide more direct service between Hilltop, Downtown, Percy Baxter Middle School and École St. Joseph School.
More information will be shared in the summer, ahead of the service’s anticipated summer or fall launch.
The decision was approved by town council during its regular meeting on Jan. 26.
