NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE TRANSIT
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Barrie Transit will roll out the first phase of its new network plan on June 2. Starting May 1, Transit ON Demand will be expanded to five areas of the city and will be free for the month of May.
“The first changes in the new network plan will better meet the needs of current and future transit users,” said Brent Forsyth, director of transit and parking strategy. “We’re introducing a transit system that is quick, frequent and reliable, while maintaining broad coverage to serve as many people and destinations as efficiently as possible.”
Phase 1 of the new network brings several key enhancements including:
- Expanding Transit ON Demand zones to five areas (starting May 1)
- A new Express Route 400 between Park Place and Georgian College/RVH on Highway 400, operating with a 30-minute frequency on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (starting June 2)
- Added service coverage on Hanmer Street, Lakeside Trail and Amelia Street (starting June 2)
To prepare the community for these changes, Barrie Transit will initiate an overlap of the Transit ON Demand service from May 1 to end of service on June 1, 2024. During this time, the Transit ON Demand zones will be available for riders to try for free, while existing scheduled routes will remain operational. During this time, if you start on a Transit ON Demand zone, your ride, including transfer, will be free of charge.
Transit ON Demand is a Barrie Transit ride-sharing service without a fixed schedule or route. Users can easily book their trip through an app, by web or by phone and the bus travel is optimized through a computer-based system. It operates using smaller buses within a specific zone allowing riders to travel from bus stop to bus stop within the zone. The service offers reduced wait times and improved local travel. Learn more about Transit ON Demand at barrie.ca/TransitOnDemand.
There are three ways to book a Transit ON Demand ride:
- Book through the free app from the Apple or Google Play store by searching for "Barrie ToD"
- Visit book.barrietod.rideco.com/login on a web browser
- Call Service Barrie at 705-726-4242 (starting May 1 for new zone bookings)
To help with the transition, there are in-person education sessions planned with Transit staff at local events, Barrie’s community centres and the Transit Terminal, and at local retirement homes. As well, Transit staff will be doing ride-alongs on affected routes to help educate and answer questions on the new network changes and to help with Transit ON Demand booking inquiries.
For more information about the new transit network, the updated maps, and upcoming changes, visit barrie.ca/NewTransitNetwork.
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