The Town of Cobourg is setting the wheels in motion to provide residents with a new limited fixed bus route service, as part of a pilot project.
Cobourg will launch the pilot in September through Cobourg Transit, in addition to its existing on-demand service. The fixed route program features 35 strategically located stops throughout the town and will operate on an hourly schedule, according to a media release.
The limited fixed route bus program is being offered as a one-year trial project, aimed at offering “more flexibility and convenience” for Cobourg residents.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new bus pilot as part of our ongoing efforts to improve public transportation in Cobourg,” said Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland in the release.
“This change in service is a direct response to community feedback that aims to offer an efficient, reliable, and user-friendly transit option. With the limited fixed route and on-demand services, residents will have more options than ever to stay connected around town.”
The town said features of the limited fixed route service include:
35 well-placed stops
The new route covers the highest demand and popular locations, aimed at ensuring comprehensive coverage of the town. The new fixed route is a combination of the previous Route 1 and Route 2 loops, offering service from the east end of Cobourg to the west end of town and areas in between.
Hourly service
Buses will run every hour, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the goal of providing consistent and dependable service. Bus schedules and signs will indicate how many minutes past the hour the bus is scheduled to arrive.
Enhanced convenience
“The fixed route and frequent service mean that riders who need flexibility with their timing can access transportation with greater ease.”
The new limited fixed route bus system will officially begin operations on Tuesday, September 3. Information is available online at cobourg.ca/transit, with brochures also available at municipal buildings including Victoria Hall, the Cobourg Community Centre, and the Cobourg Public Library.
Cobourg’s on-demand transit service will continue to operate, using current stop locations. The on-demand system allows for online booking with 184 stops throughout town and real-time tracking of rides.
To improve the user experience, Cobourg is also launching a new app called “Cobourg Transit” for booking on-demand services. The app, which will be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play at the end of August, will be used for bookings on and after September 1. Bookings can also be made on the web at book.cobourgtransit.rideco.com or by calling at 905-373-0582.
On-demand service hours are Monday to Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
In addition, Cobourg Transit offers an origin to destination service called WHEELS for eligible riders. Riders who are unable to utilize the conventional, stop-to-stop, transit service due to cognitive, physical, sensory, visual or environmental limitations, may apply for the WHEELS program.
There will be a single cash fare of $2.50 for both on-demand and fixed route services, with children five and under riding free. Meanwhile, 30-day passes are available on the town’s website or at the finance office in Victoria Hall, located at 55 King St. W.
Cobourg Transit riders can pay by cash on board the bus, through a reloadable “smart card” that can be purchased online at cobourg.usetransit.com or in person at Victoria Hall, use bus tickets or pay via the app for the on-demand service.
For more information about the bus system, including route maps, schedules, and fare details, visit cobourg.ca/transit or contact the Town of Cobourg’s engineering department at 905-372-4555.
Currently, Cobourg Transit offers an accessible service that has three buses running the on-demand services, in addition to WHEELS.
Earlier in July, the federal government announced the launch of the Canada Public Transit Fund, a new $30-billion investment over the first 10 years to expand public transit and make it more accessible across the country. The government said it is the largest public transit investment in Canadian history.
“The Canada Public Transit Fund will transform the way we deliver transit funding to communities across the country,” a media release noted.
“This permanent ongoing program will invest an average of $3 billion per year to help cities and communities deliver better public transit systems for Canadians.”
Public transit shortens commute times, grows the economy, and keeps the air cleaner, the government noted.
