By Taylor MacPherson

More than 400 used NYE transit in P.A.

Jan 4, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Ding in the New Year bus program was a big success this year.

The program, which has offered free New Year’s Eve rides on city transit for 29 years, had one of its biggest years ever, one city official said.

“Ding in the New Year was another successful event,” Prince Albert Transportation Manager Keri Sapsford said. “We actually doubled our ridership from last year.”

Sapsford said the increase can largely be chalked up to the weather and more people going out to celebrate.

“It was a lot nicer this year than it was last year,” she said.

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

2h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

21h ago

Liquor stores must change hours

Prince Albert limits liquor store hours

Apr 23, 2024

This year, Sapsford said 421 Prince Albertans took advantage of the free program. Of those, 417 rode regular transit while four took advantage of special-needs transit, which was offered as part of the program for the first time this year.

SGI funded the special-needs transit for the program, Sapsford said, which allowed everyone to enjoy New Year’s safely.

Police Sgt. Travis Willie said police only charged one person with impaired driving on New Year’s Eve this year. Last year two impaired drivers were caught behind the wheel.

“There’s been no shortage of promotion, through the media and social media, promoting Ding in the New Year and Operation Red Nose,” Willie said. “I sure hope that made people choose wisely and make good decisions.”

Willie said he’s happy to see residents starting 2017 by making good decisions about impaired driving.

“I hope that’s a trend we can continue to report weekend after weekend,” he said.

Mayor Greg Dionne said Ding in the New Year is based on a simple idea everyone can support.

“What I like about it, it’s got a clear message that people are going to stop drinking and driving,” Dionne said. “I think that’s why it’s such a success.”

The addition of special-needs transit was a late decision, Dionne said, but he was happy to see even four people using the program.

“I think you’re going to see that number grow dramatically next year,” he said. “Next year we’re going to go even harder by advertising in advance and getting more direct routes.”

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

@TMacPhersonNews