FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 4, 2017
Pelham, ON – A result of the province’s Community Transportation grant, the Town of Pelham’s transit program received $500,000.
The money, coming in over the course of the next five years, are the only funds from this grant going to a Niagara municipality.
Designed to assist municipalities throughout the province to provide better transportation options in areas that are not currently served, or underserved, by public transit or intercommunity bus services, the grant affords Pelham Transit the ability to reduce route times by adding an extra bus.
“This is a great opportunity that will assist the municipality in expanding Pelham transit,” said Vickie vanRavenswaay, director of recreation, culture, and wellness. “It will allow us to reach more seniors and reduce route times for quicker connections to Regional links; quite simply, it enhances the service all around.”
The grant also allows for the possible installation of a transit coordinator and enhanced local partnerships, creating a transit system that benefits the unique needs of the Pelham community.
“By focusing on the customer and working with the Provincial government, Council and I are delighted with this expansion to our transit service,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn.
Pelham Transit first hit the road in 2015, utilizing a $100,000 pilot-project grant. The grant took the program through spring 2017, and was then extended with funding of an additional $50,000 ending the spring of 2018. The service connects all areas of Pelham, improving mobility options for residents who do not have access to personal transportation.
Increasing ridership year over year, Pelham Transit had a ridership of just under 4,000 in 2017.
Currently, Pelham Transit offers free ride Saturdays, a dial-a-ride program, and works closely with Lookout Ridge Retirement Home and Pelham Cares increasing the affordability and opportunity for Pelham residents to enjoy.
The program recognizes Brock University and Niagara College’s U-Pass program. Regular rates for riders is three dollars.
Pelham Transit operates Monday to Saturday with 10-hour consecutive service. For more information and route maps, visit: www.pelham.ca/transit.
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For more information, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
PR & Marketing Specialist
905-892-2607 x309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca
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