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Frank said he’s not advocating for other municipalities to reject the current plan as each will have to decide on their own. He added any savings found wouldn’t go back to the community but just another level of bureaucracy.

St. Albert Coun. Wes Brodhead, who is also chair of the RTSC transition team, said Strathcona’s decision is a blow to the regional transit plan but not surprising.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “Strathcona may not see it in their best interest to join and fair enough. I’m not sure I agree with their conclusion but it is their conclusion to make. It is a blow? Absolutely. Was it unexpected? Not really.”

Brodhead remained hopeful that the initiative could still thrive with the remaining 12 members if they choose to participate.

Edmonton Coun. Michael Walters, who is also vice-chair of the RTSC transition team, called the decision by Strathcona disappointing.

“It’s not fatal by any means,” he said. “Edmonton and St. Albert still has a very large share of the transit business in the region. And through our capacity, we still provide the opportunity for the other municipalities to be part of it.”

Walters said he wants clarification around comments about Strathcona still being able to participate in regional transit without having to help pay for it. He said the focus has been to reduce limiting someone to one community.

“They can’t expect to not join the commission but get all the benefits,” Walters added. “I can’t imagine why they would expect to not pay but completely get to play.”

Frank clarified it was never Strathcona’s intention to not contribute to regional transit as the vote on Tuesday was simply about the proposal that was put forward to them.

jlabine@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/jefflabine