Barrie Transit’s new network of bus routes is already being readjusted.
Based on rider feedback and data, schedule changes are coming to routes 2, 11, 12 and 400, effective Sept. 8.
The new transit network is amenable to change, said Brent Forsyth, the city’s director of transit and parking strategy.
“The city uses real-time data, as well as public feedback, to ensure reliability of the system,” he said. “At this time, there are no further changes planned for the transit system until the second phase of the new network, which is planned for mid-2025."
Forsyth rolled through the Sept. 8 changes.
Routes 2 and 12, for example, will be adjusted to 35-minute intervals at certain times of day — due to the volume of traffic along those routes, to enhance route reliability and on-time performance.
“The reliability of route 2 and 12 has been affected by construction and traffic at certain times of the day,” Forsyth said. “Adjustments are being made to change the intervals from 30 minutes to 35 minutes at those times. For Route 12, this is during the morning and afternoon service. For Route 2, this will occur in the afternoon.”
An earlier weekday trip will be added to Route 11.
“Route 11 will start one trip earlier in the morning, beginning on Sept. 8,” Forsyth said. “This is to assist riders to get from the northwest corner of Barrie to meet their connecting trips to the south end.”
There are no changes to Route 10 times and its schedule, but routes 10 and 11 mirror each other — travelling in different directions, and are being merged into one printable schedule for ease of use by Barrie Transit riders.
Minor schedule adjustments will also be made to the runtime between stops to improve route (Highway) 400’s on-time performance.
“This is being done to match real-time data, as the route is operating quicker than originally anticipated,” Forsyth said. “Now that there is more data from the route being in service, these adjustments were made to ensure a low level of impact to users. All stops have only been adjusted in times by one or two minutes.”
Barrie Transit’s new network is being implemented in two phases. The first launched June 2, with the second expected in 2025.
In addition to route changes in the first phase, there are what’s called express and frequent routes, and expanded Transit ON Demand, from one zone to five zones.
Transit ON Demand is a Barrie Transit service without a fixed schedule or route. Users can book a trip through an app, online or by phone, and then the bus travel is optimized through a computer-based system. It operates within a specific zone allowing riders to travel from bus stop to bus stop within the zone, on demand.
There is also New Express Route 400 between Park Place and Georgian College/Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), on Highway 400, with 30-minute frequency operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
There’s also added service coverage on Hanmer Street, Lakeside Terrace and Amelia Street.
Barrie Transit’s specialized service, formerly known as BACTS, operates door-to-door for people unable to use Barrie Transit's conventional, accessible, fixed-route system, or regular service, due to a disability.
The specialized service can be booked the same day, and up to seven days in advance, either by calling and speaking with a booking agent or it can also be booked through a self-serve online booking portal.
Email [email protected] or call 705-726-4242 with any questions about Barrie Transit or to provide feedback on the new network.
