The ridership for the Rocky View Handibus service has returned to within 4.5 per cent of 2019 pre-pandemic numbers and has hit a record high in Cochrane.

A 2022 summary released by executive director Paul Siller indicates there was a 47 per cent increase in trips provided by the door-to-door service compared to last year when it was still feeling the impact of the pandemic. 

Cochranites continue to account for nearly half of the registered users and are the most active users of the service that is also available to residents in Rocky View, Chestermere, Crossfield, and Irricana.

Siller says Cochrane's ridership is 11 per cent higher than in 2019 when the pandemic was limiting the movement of people and regular appointments were stymied.

The opening of the Hawthorne senior living community in Fireside has also had a major impact.

A total of 3,930 trips were made by Cochrane residents, 2,425 of which is for medical appointments.

"The number of registrations we're getting from Cochrane means it's just starting," he says.

Crossfield also saw an 11 per cent increase in demand compared to pre-pandemic ridership and Chestermere's use increased by three per cent when compared to 2019.

He says the list of Rocky View County users is growing but lags in its rebound.

"We noticed that many of the county "regulars" from 2019 have moved or are no longer requesting services," says Siller.

Siller says on Mar. 1 they anticipate announcing their first rate increase since 2012. It will be $5 for every 10 kilometers travelled, compared to the current rate of $4.

The financial report hasn't been finalized for 2022 yet, but Siller says indications are they will have a shortfall, and he's certain they'll have a shortfall in 2023. A 30 per cent increase in fuel costs was a major cause, but there are other factors.

"We've gotten ourselves a bit more efficient since 2019 but at some point, it comes down to having more service hours, more vehicles on the road longer to meet demand."