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Transit system gets third new bus, plans for fourth in 2019

May 25, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Pickford

The wheels on Orangeville’s municipal transit system just keep spinning.

Last Wednesday, representatives from Orangeville Council and the Orangeville Transit Committee gathered to celebrate the arrival of the Town’s third 30-foot, low-floor Vicinity bus. The new $400,000 vehicle went into operation this week, marking the completion of a multi-year municipal initiative to completely revamp its transit system.

Following similar purchases over the past two years, Orangeville now has a new bus for each of its three current bus routes. A fourth bus is expected to be bought within the next year when the transit service adds a fourth route.

“The growth and modernization of Orangeville Transit reflects the growing demand for the service and represents a significant investment for the Town,” a Town press release reads. “The purchase of the new buses has, in part, been made possible by funding of $225,482 through the Federal-Ontario Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. Additional funding from the governments of Canada and Ontario, through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, is to be announced in August.”

The transit committee has introduced several pilot projects and initiatives in recent years, with bus routes extended to serve some business centres, residential areas and schools in the community. The new fleet of Vicinity buses have an access/exit ramp and meets Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act standards.

The Town’s updated transit plan also calls for a relocated transfer station. The development of a new terminal is being considered by Council. The current transfer point is on Fourth Street, just north of Broadway.

Orangeville Transit hours were extended by 2 1/2 hours on weekdays, running from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. so as to meet the needs of the community. The buses are in operation from 7:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Monthly passes for seniors and students cost $45 per month, with regular adult monthly passes priced at $55 per month. Ten-ride trip coupons for seniors and students can be purchased for $13, while adult 10-ride coupons can be bought for $17. Cash fare is $2 for adults and $1.50 for seniors and students. Children aged five and under can ride the bus for free. Special needs monthly passes can be bought for $25.

The passes and 10-ride coupons can be purchased at Town Hall, Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre and Alder Street Recreation Centre, the Orangeville Public Library on Broadway, the lottery kiosk in the Orangeville Mall and Total Convenience at Broadway and Fourth Street. Special needs passes can only be purchased at Town Hall.

For more information on Orangeville’s transit system, visit orangeville.ca/transit.

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