The wheels on the bus are going to continue turning.
Thanks to the province announcing just days before Christmas a $3.4 million investment in a regional transit service.
Middlesex County Connect operates four transit routes, including Route 3 which links St. Thomas with Southwold, south London and Dorchester.
The service began on April 8 of 2024, operating Monday through Saturday, offering commuters four round trips per day, with two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Fares for a one-way trip on all Middlesex County Connect routes, including Route 3, are set at $5. Children aged 5 and under, veterans, and support persons ride free of charge.
Middlesex County Connect uses Voyago buses, the operator of the St. Thomas transit system, and the service was initially part of a two-year pilot project funded by the province.
St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston advised the city has become far more regionally focused.
In August of last year, the route was expanded to include a stop at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre north of Talbotville.
The funding will support continued operation of the inter-community transit services through March, 2030.
Preston stressed now that the service has been established and ridership is growing, it would be difficult to lose the connection to neighbouring communities.
The Ontario Transit Investment Fund dollars will cover 50 per cent of eligible Middlesex County Connect costs, with the remaining costs funded through municipal contributions and fare/advertising revenue.
For the time being, the $5 one-way fare will remain, however a review will be undertaken in the spring to ensure the service network is efficient, equitable and sustainable.
At that time, adjustments will be made to align service levels and future routes with regional needs and municipal contributions.
Preston would like to explore expanding the service to possibly include Aylmer and Port Stanley.
In a media release, Middlesex County noted, “Reliable inter-community transit plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and labour mobility across the region. Middlesex County Connect improves access to employment areas, industrial and commercial centres, and post-secondary institutions, helping employers attract and retain workers while expanding educational opportunities for students.”
A related post can be found at https://www.stthomastoday.ca/2024/04/09/72800/
Written by Ian McCallum
