The Meaford Conventional Transit bus will no longer be operating as of June 30, 2019, while the specialized transit service for those with mobility limitations will continue.

At their meeting on June 10, Meaford Council reviewed a report on transit services in Meaford that recommended the closure of the downtown transit route. It outlined the low ridership numbers of the bus, which has been operating on a pilot project since October of 2016. The route map, schedule, and fares had all been adjusted over the years to encourage ridership, with the peak average riders reached in recent months of just over 1 rider per hour. The cost to operate the program in 2018 was $58,500.

“We would like to thank those who did make good use of the transit bus, as well as the dedicated operators who provided great customer service over the past few years.” said Darcy Chapman, Treasurer/Director of Financial Services and Infrastructure Management.

The resolution passed by Council to discontinue the service also included a direction to staff to notify Grey County of the Meaford’s willingness to partner with them in the development of a regional transit service study.

“The need for transit spreads beyond Meaford’s borders, it really is a regional issue.” said Mayor Barb Clumpus. “I look forward to further discussions at the County Council table on how we can connect our communities and help everyone get where they need to go.”

The Municipality will continue to operate Meaford Moves+, the door-to-door accessible transit service for those with temporary or permanent mobility limitations. To apply for this service, see www.meaford.ca/transit or contact [email protected].

source: media release, Municipality of Meaford