More buses, on-demand transit, slated for Burlington

Burlington will get 12 transit buses and new technology to increase service in remote areas under a funding program announced by three levels of government.

Burlington will get 12 transit buses and new technology to increase service in remote areas under a funding program announced by three levels of government.

The $12.8 million plan will see new buses along city streets within three years to meet the increase in demand for public transit. Burlington Transit reports ridership had increased 16.1 per cent before the pandemic. The plan also calls for the replacement of five aging buses in the system.

As well, Burlington MP Karina Gould announced the money will also be used for paratransit, a system that uses advanced technology to provide on-demand service to customers in under-serviced areas. The funding will provide three buses for paratransit. It will also be phased in over three years.

“This will have a positive impact on the community by enabling an increase of the public service levels,” said Gould.

The $5.3 million federal funding comes through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. The Government of Ontario is also providing more than $4.3 million, and the municipality is contributing more than $3.4 million.

“This funding is welcome news for our community at a time when safe and reliable public transit is more important than ever,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “The City of Burlington has a strong commitment to transit as an environmentally-friendly way to help our growing population work and play. Earlier this year our ridership was trending upwards from the previous year and the impact of these funds will contribute significantly to that positive momentum. I thank our Federal and Provincial partners for this timely and valued support.”

 Burlington MP Karna Gould announces $5.1 million in funding for local transit.