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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Lloydminster Explores Transportation Solutions for Low-Income Residents
The City of Lloydminster, located on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, is examining options to provide affordable transportation for low-income residents. With a population of about 32,000, Lloydminster currently does not have a public transportation system and is looking at new initiatives to address mobility needs in the community.
City Council Directs Development of Transportation Access Program
During its meeting on October 5, Lloydminster city council instructed city administration to develop a transportation access program (TAP) for future consideration. This program would offer subsidized taxi fares to qualifying low-income individuals, following the model of the city’s existing senior taxi program, which allows seniors to purchase discounted vouchers for one-way taxi rides.
The direction from council came after a transportation survey that gathered approximately 450 responses from residents, social organizations, and local businesses. Only 128 respondents indicated a willingness to pay more for a new transit program, prompting the council to focus on targeted services.
Costs and Challenges of Public Transit Options
The city has considered both on-demand and fixed-route public transportation systems. Estimated first-year costs are approximately $2.2 million for an on-demand service and $2.5 million for a fixed-route system. In subsequent years, annual operating costs would fall to about $1.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Implementing either option would require an initial property tax increase of five to six percent, with an ongoing three percent rise annually.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers stated that programs are designed to meet the needs of the majority but may not address every resident’s needs. He expects further details about the proposed transportation access program to return to council early in 2027 for consideration.
Community Organizations Advocate for Increased Mobility
Lana Lane, chair of the Hub of Healing, highlighted the need for improved transportation services, noting that access enables community connection and support, especially for low-income residents. "It's not just about mobility. It's access to health and the opportunity to connect others in our community and build community," Lane said.
Meanwhile, the local non-profit Border City Connects is currently filling gaps by providing transportation to seniors and people with disabilities. Last year, the organization’s Express program completed approximately 25,000 trips within Lloydminster. Border City Connects also operates CareAvan, a volunteer-run medical transport service.
Lessons from Other Communities
Lloydminster is looking to nearby communities for ideas. Cold Lake, a city about 170 kilometres to the north, launched its transit program in 2015 and now provides fare-free service across two fixed routes. The Town of Okotoks, just south of Calgary, has transitioned from a subsidized taxi program to a fixed-route and on-demand transit service. Cochrane, northwest of Calgary, operates a hybrid system with fixed routes and on-demand service, reporting about 80,000 annual riders.
Community leaders from these towns note that public transportation is about more than simply moving people—it strengthens social connections and access to key services.
Next Steps for Lloydminster
As council considers the feasibility of a new transportation access program, residents and local groups are watching closely. The outcome could shape the future of public transportation and community connection for Lloydminster’s low-income residents.
Source: cbc.ca.
