North Grenville, Ont. is considering the addition of a second on-demand transit bus as desire for the new system exceeds expectations.
NGTransit was implemented earlier this year. It’s a six-seat bus with room for two wheelchairs and unlike a traditional bus that serves specific stops, it operates by a curb-to-curb service.
Riders sign up for the service online, either through the municipality’s website or a mobile app. Currently, there is only one bus in service but demand is rising.
According to a report presented at the municipality’s council meeting last week, the first-year ridership projection was reached in just 6 months.
Original projections estimated that average daily ridership would reach 29 passengers by the end of the first year of service. The average is now projected to be 39 by the end of the year.
The report indicates adding a second bus would cost the municipality up to $291,395. North Grenville can apply to be included in the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF), which supports regional transit projects.
If successful, OTIF would cover 50 per cent of the cost for the second bus.
NGTransit cost breakdown
According to Northgrenville.ca, here are the prices for riders to use NGTransit:
Adults: $5 per ride, $70 for monthly pass
Youth (12-19): $3 per ride, $42 for monthly pass
Children under 12 ride for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
More details to come