Chatham-Kent staff hope for a spike in Chatham bus ridership with a new rate system going into effect this summer.
Council has approved a long list of rate changes for Chatham transit, which include the elimination of a seniors transit pass, and an "affordable" pass pilot project. Director of Engineering and Transportation Adam Sullo says the seniors pass removal will help finances, since it only cost $70 for unlimited rides throughout the year.
"Certainly it was quite a good price for the senior annual pass," says Sullo. "We were concerned about the disparity between a low-income pass and that, just because of the number of low-income seniors int he community."
The new affordable pass is available to 200 patrons in the first year, and costs $40 a month. The number of riders allowed to use the cheaper option could change next year.
"We want to see the impact in the capacity of our buses," explains Sullo. "If we're good we'll increase it, if we're not good we'll maintain it. I don't want to decrease the number next year, I'd like to add on."
As staff adjust their fare schedule, they've also been receiving complaints about a lack of bus shelters.
"The biggest challenge we face is the road 'right-of-way,' so the width we own along the road. In a lot of cases there isn't enough for us to put a bus shelter."
The rate and pass changes will come into effect July 2016.