Oakville Transit reports continued ridership increases

Oakville Transit recorded year-over-year ridership increases of four per cent in the first quarter and five per cent in the second quarter.

“Ridership increases of four and five per cent are significant in the transit world,” said Joanne Phoenix, acting director of Oakville Transit. “We have seen ridership grow in each of the first six months of 2010 and the data continues to suggest that behaviours are changing.”

Council has invested in Oakville Transit to offer our community improved alternatives for personal mobility. Last fall, Oakville Transit introduced new grid routes that provide faster trips across town. Since 2006, it has added 23 new buses and 48 new drivers.

Oakville Transit will continue to improve its bus stop amenities this year with the purchase of 21 new bus shelters on top of the 35 new shelters installed in 2009. In addition, concrete landing pads/walkways will be installed at almost 40 bus stop locations. Later this year, Oakville Transit will introduce PRESTO to all of its customers, including students and seniors. Oakville was one of the first municipalities in Ontario to adopt the smart card fare system.

This expanded service helps accommodate Oakville’s population growth in recent years and the new transit centre being constructed on Wyecroft Road will ensure that Oakville Transit is equipped for the future. When construction is completed in the spring of 2011 the building will be LEED Silver under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

“We’ll invest more this year on our transportation network, including roads, cycle paths and transit, than on anything else” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Residents and businesses pay for this network and Council’s investment in alternative modes of transportation helps ensure that everyone can access the network and get around.”

For information about transit routes and schedules, visit Oakville Transit online at www.oakvilletransit.ca

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