On-demand transit starting May 2

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The municipal transit system will get a major overhaul in May as the new on-demand transit system begins operation.

On-demand transit is a relatively new technology, which allows riders to book their pick-up time and drop-off time for the town bus.

Riders will simply book their time and pickup location on the app or — for those without smartphones — with a phone call and proceed to their designated bus stop. The system will generate a trip for the bus that best accommodates riders in the queue. Anyone who has not booked a pick-up will not be permitted on the bus.

It utilizes complex algorithms that react to ride requests and develop instantaneous routing to the bus stop the riders have chosen.

It should reduce wait times considerably, which is usually the main issue with most city transit systems.

Ride requests can be made through an app on a smartphone, through a computer or over the phone. The ride request is then routed to the buses from the cloud-based software and the call for service is integrated into the current bus route.

In addition to the new computerized system, the municipality will also introduce two new full size buses, which will be unveiled next month.

The new LTGO buses will begin operation May 2.

The buses will be sponsored by WFCU Credit Union, which will pay $45,000 per year.

Leamington’s current system operates on a fixed route system, 12 hours a day, six days a week, with 64 designated bus stops. This service is provided by two fully accessible cutaway buses and service delivery is currently contracted to Switzer-Carty through the end of 2024.

Normally, about 22,000 annual trips are made on the current transit buses, while during COVID-19, ridership has dipped below 10,000 annually.

On-demand transit has the potential to decrease the amount of fuel and in turn reduce green house gas emissions.

Council approved the system at their meeting on Tuesday, March 22. They also approved a slight increase in bus fees, with adults due to pay $3 per ride, students and seniors $2.50, and kids 12 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.

“I’m planning on using the new bus,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “I can book the bus to pick me up near town hall and drop me off at the pharmacy,” she said.

Modernization funds and the Ontario Gas Tax have contributed greatly to the cost of setting up the system.

In addition to the new buses and booking system, Leamington Transit will re-brand to LTGO effective May 2.

The new buses will be equipped with free wi-fi and charging stations at each seat.