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Parmar said her community wants to be co-creators of the pilot project.

“We want something that is really safe. We want something that is reliable and predictable for the residents of Cameron Heights,” she said.

Some councillors are worried about reducing service in areas not identified for a pilot, where no replacement would be in effect potentially for years and could drive people away from transit.

“We lose those people. As soon as they get into their car, they’re not going back,” said Ward 9 Coun. Tim Cartmell.

The union representing Edmonton bus drivers is opposed to any solution that would see private operators integrated into public transit.

In the end, the committee directed administration to return next November with more concrete details for first kilometre/last kilometre pilot options, and ways to expand those alternatives to more of the neighbourhoods that are losing bus service.

However, having staff contemplate options for all communities where people have to walk 600 metres to 800 metres to a bus stop still isn’t workable for many seniors or others with low mobility challenges, said Sheila Hallett, the executive director of the Edmonton Seniors Co-ordinating Council.

“If accessibility changes, and the bus stops are moved, and they’re required to walk a lot further, that puts a lot of people at risk for being able to still use the bus system,” Hallet said.

Hallett said an on-demand, dial-a-bus system would work well, as long as the cost isn’t prohibitive.