The wheels on the buses are going around and around, and riders are hopping on board.
Simcoe County's LINX conventional transit service had a 12.32 per cent increase in ridership last year compared to 2023, and a 25 per cent jump in specialized transit usage in 2024 compared to the year before.
The County says an increase in specialized transit indicates a growing demand for LINX Plus and its ability to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in the community.
The current conventional LINX transit service operates six corridors: (2024 ridership in brackets)
- Route 1 - Barrie - Springwater - Tay - Tiny - Midland - Penetanguishene (46,228)
- Route 2 - Barrie - Essa - Clearview - Wasaga Beach (48,180)
- Route 3 - Barrie - Oro-Medonte - Orillia (63,660)
- Route 4 - Collingwood - Wasaga Beach (85,924)
- Route 5 - Bradford West Gwillimbury - Alliston (23,775)
- Route 6 - Midland - Tay - Severn - Oro-Medonte - Orillia (27,579)
Total conventional transit ridership was 295,340, and total ridership for specialized transit service was 2,141.
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LINX Transit is developing two more routes, including Route 7, which will operate from Barrie, Innisfil, and Bradford. This route has been postponed for 18 to 24 months due to bus delivery problems. Preliminary work has begun on Route 8, which plans to operate between Barrie, Essa, CFB Borden, Adjala-Tosorontio, and Alliston. The County says the launch will be delayed due to bus supply issues.
The County received $8.9 million in funding from a federal government program to refurbish the existing fleet of buses. The work will include engine and transmission overhauls, structural repairs, interior upgrades and accessibility.
A County-wide transit service delivery study is expected to be completed over the next 12 to 16 months and will include extensive consultation as part of a review of existing transit services across the County, anticipated travel demand in the short and long term, with recommendations on how to service that demand.
