By paNOW

Heavy snow creates transit challenges

Jan 9, 2019 | 3:00 PM

Cancelled school bus routes and delays to Access-Transit are some services affected by the recent weather.

Excess snow caused a change in schedule for some Prince Albert senior residents or those with mobility issues.

Bill Powalinsky, the CEO of the agency that runs Access-Transit said it affected some people’s day to day lives.

“It’s certainly resulted in a few cancellations where residents have peeked outside and said ‘I don’t need to go’ and cancelled their ride,” Powalinsky said. “In the majority of the cases, if people can’t make it out they basically have to forego their plans for the day.”

He said snow creates operational challenges, making it more difficult to move wheelchairs through thick snow and in some cases pickup points must be moved to accommodate passengers.

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Even though the snow caused delays, Powalinsky credits his drivers for making regular runs.

“I just want to express admiration for my drivers and the crew that works hard to combat these conditions,” he said.

Powalinksy thanked passengers for their patience as well the city and its staff for their work in removing snow from roadways.

Students of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division have also been hampered by snowfall and cold weather.

Jerrold Pidborochynski with the school division said approximately a dozen school bus routes were cancelled this week.

“Student safety is the division’s first priority so when the weather and road conditions may be such that safe transportation is put at risk, then those buses will not be travelling,” Pidborochynski said.

He added parents should be mindful of current weather and ensuring students dress appropriately for weather conditions.

More challenges could be underway with Environment Canada forecasting another potential 10 to 15 cm of snow. 

ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni