August 23, 2010 -- The launch of the C-Line public transit service has been delayed. The C-Line was originally scheduled to launch on August 30, providing transit service connecting Edmonton with Leduc, Nisku and the Edmonton International Airport.

As part of the process of operating a transit system, the C-Line operating authority (Edmonton Transit Service –ETS) must apply for an Operating Authority Certificate from the Alberta Motor Transport Board. This permit was applied for in mid-July. As part of the application process, others have the right to appeal the potential transit service. On August 15, an appeal was filed. This means that ETS will not be granted the authority to operate transit busses on the proposed C-Line transit route until a hearing can be held by the Alberta Transportation’s Motor Transit Board and a decision rendered.

“We are disappointed,” stated City of Leduc Mayor Greg Krischke. “This was an exciting partnership with Leduc County to provide transit service the airport, to the second largest industrial park in North America (Nisku) and give options to commuters to get to and from Edmonton.”

“We agree with the City of Leduc and echo their disappointment,” stated Leduc County Mayor Marvin Molzan, “but we respect that there is due process to follow and that other transit operators have the right to appeal our application to operate the C-Line transit service.”

Both municipalities have not let this setback deter their plans for an intermunicipal transit service connecting Leduc, Nisku and the Edmonton International Airport to Edmonton, and are eager to see this initiative take shape soon.

An appeal date with the Alberta Transportation’s Motor Transportation Board has not been set, but it is anticipated the delay will be at least four weeks. Updates and information will be posted on the C-Line Transit website as it becomes available.

For more information, please contact:

C-Line Public Service Partnership
780-980-7177