GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND CITY OF PRINCE ALBERT ANNOUNCE IMPROVEMENTS TO
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

PRINCE ALBERT, SK, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert; Darryl Hickie, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Jim Scarrow, Mayor of the City of Prince Albert, today announced the opening of a new transit centre and the addition of a low-floor bus to the city's fleet.

"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in modern infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and promote the use of public transit," said MP Hoback. "This new transit centre and low-floor bus will improve transportation for Prince Albert's residents."

"This new facility and these buses are what the people of Prince Albert need to keep moving forward," said Minister Hickie. "Working together with our federal and municipal partners through programs like the Public Transit Fund has helped us take the initiative on improved public transportation that Prince Albert residents need."

The new Central Transit Transfer Terminal includes a large island that buses can easily manoeuvre around to transfer passengers. Benches and shelters have been placed on this island to provide passengers with a safe place out of the elements to wait for the bus. Increased lighting has been included for safety, and crosswalks will be added for pedestrians. Bicycle racks, bicycle lockers, and refreshment and ticket kiosks will also be added. The low-floor bus has no stairs, making it easy to board. It will improve accessibility for seniors, those with baby carriages and those with mobility issues. Although the city has only one low-floor bus at this time, efforts are being made to have a fully accessible fleet in the future. The city has also purchased three bus shelters and electronic fare boxes as part of the improvements being made to its bus service and facilities.

Keri Sexsmith, transportation project manager with the City of Prince Albert, thanked the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan for their continuous support. "The revamped transit centre, paired with the new low-floor bus, opens up the transit system to a whole new customer base," she said. "Not to mention that these new additions improve the service quality for those who are already regular bus commuters."

The Government of Canada provided $1.5 million, through the Province of Saskatchewan, to the City of Prince Albert to build the transit centre and purchase the bus from the following sources: $858,831 through the Public Transit Capital Trust 2008; $258,497 through the Public Transit Fund; and $300,000 under the Gas Tax Fund.

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For further information: Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; Richard Fromm, Office of Randy Hoback, MP, Prince Albert, 613-995-3296; Jeff Welke, Executive Director, Communications, Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs, 306-787-6156; Kiley Bear, Communications Manager, City of Prince Albert, 306-953-4367