A local advocacy group is looking to expand the dwindling number of intercity transportation options in Southwestern Ontario.
The Southwestern Ontario Transportation Alliance is pushing a new $400 million system that would see an increased bus and train presence in our region. They hope both the Federal and Provincial governments will work together on a better transportation initiative.
President Terry Johnson says they would use the existing resources of companies like VIA Rail and Greyhound to minimize costs. These would include refurbishing single-level GO buses to be used in the area, and having existing locomotives pulling double-decker passenger trains. "Nearly all the pieces of the puzzle already exist. It's really a matter of putting them together in a more logical way. This way you can get a ticket from A to B, and so the buses connect with the trains, which connect with the transit so they become more usable."
Johnson says the trek between Chatham and Leamington is a perfect example of how the bus system has petered out. "There used to be a Greyhound bus on that route, but at the moment it's just in complete hiatus, and that's the case for a lot of the routes."
Johnson adds VIA Rail has already promised to offer more services in Southwestern Ontario in 2016. The group's upcoming plans include meetings with MP's and MPP's, as well as developing an official business case to broaden public transit accessibility in the area.