Red Arrow Motorcoach will discontinue Tuesday and Thursday shuttle service from Sylvan Lake to Red Deer effective Dec. 1.
Service on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will remain in place, said John Stepovy, Red Arrow general manager.
“We’re just reducing service, it’s completely due to the lack of demand on those days … And the other days are a little bit tough,” said Stepovy. He added that the company will resume full weekday service if the demand returns.
The service began June 25. Red Arrow had identified Sylvan Lake as a popular summer destination for Red Deer residents, and organized open houses to determine demand for a shuttle. Finding sufficient interest, they approached the town.
Joanne Gaudet, Sylvan Lake communications officer, said the town had identified the need for a commuter service in a social and community services survey completed in the summer.
“We have a young population, and considering our size it’s a service a lot of communities do have,” said Gaudet, adding that seniors could also benefit from the shuttle.
“It seemed like the community liked it but there hasn’t been the ridership,” said Stepovy, adding that some days have no riders at all.
Gaudet said that while the town can support and promote the shuttle, they can’t show preference towards any company.
“It’s a nice alternative to having to drive a highway, especially in the winter,” she said.