GRT seeking input on plan to boost service, potential fare increase

Some changes could be coming to Grand River Transit (GRT) and Waterloo Region residents are being invited to have their say.

GRT has been seeing a significant increase in ridership levels, even breaking a passenger record in September.

The regional transit agency has developed a plan to help meet the rising demand and is looking for feedback on the proposal.

GRT wants to add more than 53,000 hours of service and implement schedule and frequency adjustments on some bus routes and for the ION.

GRT said the additional hours would help improve existing transit service, expand service to Elmira and Breslau, and see the addition of a new MobilityPLUS vehicle. The changes would also result in transfer times increasing from 90 minutes to 120 minutes.

The proposal also includes an average fare increase of 2.59 per cent and potential modifications to GRT’s advertising policy.

An online survey is available until December 1 and there will be in-person opportunities to learn more about the proposed measures and ask questions.

You can see the schedule for the input opportunities, find the link for the virtual survey, and see additional information on the proposed service changes by clicking here.

The findings from the public feedback consultations will go to regional council to be considered as part of budget talks.