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Town explores transit options with financial considerations

August 4, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Town Council is currently examining six recommendations for addressing transit needs in the community.

Additional information was provided during the Council meeting of July 26.

Currently there is a proposal for a fixed route service between Beeton and Tottenham with a future service to augment that at a later time.

With regards to utilizing an Uber-style service, the Town has examined a program that was started and is being used in Innisfil.

The Town’s engineering department said both transit models have advantages and disadvantages.

It was reported that Innisfil ran into immediate problems with an Uber system after underestimating the cost involved. That Town has since adjusted its program to include a maximum number of trips per month as well as maintaining fixed locations where trips can be taken. Fixed locations include such places as a recreation centre or Town Hall.

An advantage of an Uber system, it was reported, is there is no capital costs involved as the town doesn’t have to buy buses or transit vehicles or build bus stops. Disadvantages include the fact that Uber tends to lend itself to a smaller volume of rides.

Councillor Stephanie MacLellan questioned whether limiting the number of Uber rides per month would impact people who rely on the service to get to work.

There will be another meeting on August 19, to discuss further options including the Beeton/Tottenham route.

Deputy Mayor Richard Norcross requested that staff be given direction to compile the information needed to make an informed decision.

The report was received by Council with a request that staff be directed to provide Council with financial considerations associated with a transit solution.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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