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Council approves new Handi-bus purchase

North Battleford Transit’s request for funding to purchase a new Handi-bus has received approvals from both the City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford.
handi bus.jpg

North Battleford Transit’s request for funding to purchase a new Handi-bus has received approvals from both the City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford.

The city passed a resolution approving a grant of $39,900 plus taxes at their meeting Monday night. The indication at council was that their funds would come from gas tax money.

At their town council meeting that evening, Battleford also voted in favour of funding in the amount of $16,500.

Transit Manager Paul Robertson had made a presentation to North Battleford council last month, outlining his organization’s need for a new bus. Their only spare Handi-bus had been shifted over to use on the transit side while another bus was down for repairs in Saskatoon. 

The Handi-bus purchase is a cost-share involving the city, the town and the province. The province has already committed $55,000 though the Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities program.

At North Battleford council meeting, Councillor Greg Lightfoot cited the TAPD funding commitment as a reason why he was in favour of the purchase.

“We don’t get these grants often,” said Lightfoot. “We do apply every year for them, so when we do get these grant dollars I think it’s very imperative that we take advantage of them. If we get a new bus it will last us four or five years for half the cost.”