In recent weeks, Whitehorse Transit has been the subject of considerable media attention.
While we at the city welcome and encourage public comment on the quality of service we provide, I am obligated to correct some inconsistencies recently reported in a local newspaper in regard to the city’s Handy Bus service.
Last week, it was reported that there are approximately 400 Handy Bus users in the city of Whitehorse who use the service at a cost of $4.70 per trip. That information is incorrect. In fact, according to our records, there are currently 85 people who regularly use the Handy Bus service.
Like our regular bus service, the Handy Bus is heavily subsidized in an effort to make the system affordable for our patrons. For every $2.50 fare paid by the user, the city contributes an additional $43.03 per trip to meet the actual cost of service.
In addition, the city has made great strides in upgrading its regular fleet. Six of our 10 main busses are low-floor, fully accessible units.
In closing, I would like to point out that Whitehorse enjoys one of the best transit systems for a municipality our size. And, while we currently have one of the lowest cost recovery ratios in Canada, we remain committed to encouraging people to use public transit and promoting the principle of sustainability in this as well as other areas.
Dave Muir, transit services manager
Whitehorse