Guelph Transit route changes 'set the system up for success'

Extensive changes to Guelph's bus routes were unanimously approved by Guelph City Council's Committee of the Whole on Tuesday.

"For the first time in seven years, as a councillor and as Mayor, it's the first time I've ever felt excited about the future of transit," said Mayor Cam Guthrie.

The changes go into effect on Sept. 3.

The biggest change sees the establishment of a new Mainline 99 route that will travel the length of the city on the Gordon Street corridor, from Woodlawn Road to Clair Road.

That route will offer 10-minute service all day on weekdays and Guelph Transit General Manager Mike Spicer said he is hopeful it will take 10 to 12 minutes to travel the length of the city.

Spicer told members of council Tuesday that when university is in school, Guelph Transit was "leaving 40 loads of passengers a day on the sidewalks."

Other changes include the shifting of bus stops, the removal of under-utilized and time-consuming bus service on Metcalfe Street and parts of Grange Street.

Spicer said that the service offered by Guelph Transit is currently "poorly distributed."

"A lot of people have given up on us," despite improvements in efficiency and reliability, Spicer said.

"The transit system has struggled over the years... with so many decisions and so many changes," he said.

Steven Petric, citizen chairman of the city's Transit Advisory Committee, said the changes are "a modest first step towards a better transit system."

"Why not by any means perfect, it sets the system up for improvements moving forward," said Petric, appearing at Tuesday's meeting as a delegate.

He called for more extensive community consultation moving forward.

The changes, and there are many, can be found here on the city's website.

The route realignment taking place this September will cost $70,000 and is being done within the current Guelph Transit budget and won't cost any extra money.

Guelph Transit is scheduled to undergo an extensive service review beginning at the end of this year.

That service review, which is 18 months away from completion, will be more wide ranging and likely have far-reaching service and financial implications.

Coun. Bob Bell supported the changes but said he'd like to see more change happening quicker and urged Spicer to offer even further improvements as part of next year's budget deliberations.

"I would like you to move a little faster," Bell said.

The Guelph Transit Route Realignment will now go to City Council for final approval.