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The first phase of Bruce County’s Transit and Demand Feasibility Study is over. Now, the county is seeking the public’s input on prioritizing the needs of its citizens to help shape potential transit solutions.
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In May, the county surveyed residents, workers, students and visitors through an online survey aimed at helping it and its consultants better understand local travel needs.
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Bruce County doesn’t have an all-encompassing public transportation system.
The county has hired Arcadis IBI Group to undertake the study after applying for funding from the Rural Transit Solution Fund (federal) and receiving $50,000. The county has budgeted another $100,000.
The first phase of the county’s survey, combined with consultation with municipal partners and stakeholders, identified five “diverse transportation needs” across the county. Now, the county is looking for additional feedback on those identified needs.
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Those needs include accessing jobs and services from smaller inland communities; getting to seasonal, service or occasional jobs; travelling between communities in and beyond the county; getting around in large urban communities; and helping tourists and visitors reach tourism destinations.
Phase 2 of the study is again an online survey now available on the county’s website. The questions ask how important the respondent thinks each of the five identified needs is for the county to address and if the respondent or someone in their family shares the identified need.
The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes to complete.
The county’s Transit Demand and Feasibility Study follows recommendations from the Bruce County Master Transportation Plan completed in 2021, in which public transit was identified as a need.
Phase 2 of the study is open for submissions online until Friday, Sept. 1. Those unable to complete the survey online may request a hardcopy from the county by calling 519-881-1292 and returning the completed survey in-person at the Walkerton Administration Centre, Penetangore Hub, Lakeshore Hub, Peninsula Hub, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, or any Bruce County Library branch.
For more information visit www.brucecounty.on.ca/transitstudy
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