We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 2pm
#202, 4805 48 Street, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1S6
HIstory
1975
A group of people with disabilities banded together to form an organization called Parkland Action Group for the Physically Disabled. The purpose was to have a louder voice to bring attention to barriers and problems with accessibility in Red Deer. They wanted to see:
- Accessible Transportation
- Curb cuts or Sidewalks
- Ramps into Public Buildings
1976
The Action Group applied to the City of Red Deer for a Community Initiative Grant to start a transportation service called the Citizens Action Bus Service.
1977
In January of this year the first Action Bus trip rolled out.
1978
The transportation service was deemed a success and the City of Red Deer agreed to fund the operation.
1980
The agency name was changed to Red Deer Action Group and became a Registered Charity.
1981
The service began to grow and continued to grow more and more every year.
did you know?
The Action Group has been the driving force behind many initiatives including the following:
- Handicapped parking stalls
- Curb cuts on sidewalks/intersections
- Elevators in public buildings
- Wheelchair ramps in swimming pools including hydro lifts
- Accessible playgrounds
- Accessibility awareness and initiatives
The following service clubs and agencies made generous contributions to support the Action Bus Service between 1976 and 2007:
- Loyal Order of the Moose ~ $1,639.00
- Elks Lodge #35
- Red Deer Central Lions Club
- Orange Men's Lodge
- Optimist Club of Red Deer ~ $13,115.00
- Association of Community Travelers
- Philippine Canadian Association of Red Deer
- Red Deer & District Community Foundation
- Red Deer Oddfellows and Rebekah Lodges
History Continued
2007
The City of Red Deer Transit Department took over in September 1, 2007. As of the takeover, the Action Bus Fleet numbered 15 full-time fully accessible Handi-buses with 1750 registered users.
2008
The Red Deer Action Group Board of Directors refocused and developed a new strategic plan. Out of this came the Subsidy Ride Program.
2009
Initially, the Subsidy Ride Program was designed to assist individuals in need of trips to hospitals and other medical facilities. However, in the fall of 2009, the Program was expanded to include travel for social and educational purposes as well as for medical trips.
2010
Our mission statement was changed to include "Disadvantaged" persons, officially broadening our focus to include low income individuals and families. Our name was changed to Red Deer Action Group Society and was registered under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta.
2014
The Red Deer Action Group Society set up Donate-A-Ride modelled after Edmonton. We also partnered with the City of Red Deer Transit Service.
2015
With our Donate-A-Ride Program we assisted 7 agencies with 1020 adult bus tickets and 50 senior/youth bus tickets.
2020
The Subsidy Ride Program has helped 840 individuals and their families since 2009. The Donate-A-Ride has assisted 69 partner agencies for a total of 12,974 transit tickets since 2014.