The City of St. Thomas is undertaking a Railway City Transit Plan for Growth.
The goal is to deliver a roadmap that will modernize, expand, and adapt the transit network to support the needs of current residents and prepare for the community’s planned growth and transformation.
Working with Dillon Consulting, the transit plan will address new residential growth, realign transit routes to provide more direct service, and identify next steps to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.
Key elements of the project include:
- Public Engagement: Engage the community to understand their needs and values so that the network is aligned with them.
- Network Redesign: Transition the transit network to provide more direct travel to key destinations, improve service levels and reach new growth areas.
- Regional Connections: Explore partnerships and inter-community transit links with London, Middlesex County, Elgin County, and Aylmer.
- Fleet Electrification: Develop a plan to transition to battery electric or hydrogen electric vehicle technologies.
- Technology & Fare Strategy: Review fare technology options and potential new pass programs for students and employees.
- Implementation & Finance: Create a 5, 10, and 25-year financial and staffing plan to guide the transition and deliver the service.
Timing for key project milestones:
- Project Start: Winter 2026
- Engagement Round 1: Spring 2026
- Develop Transit Route and Service Options: Spring/Summer 2026
- Engagement Round 2: Fall 2026
- Final Transit Plan and Council Presentation: Winter 2027
The study will include community and employer surveys to gather data on travel needs.
Watch for a pop-up information event at next month’s St. Thomas Home Show.
Written by Ian McCallum
