Civilians Loading Bus to Toronto at Windsor Transit Terminal, February 8th 2016, (Photo by Jess Craymer)Civilians Loading Bus to Toronto at Windsor Transit Terminal, February 8th 2016, (Photo by Jess Craymer)
Sarnia

Intercity Bus Service To Return

It's a huge win for public transportation locally.

Sarnia's joint bid with Strathroy-Caradoc to reinstate intercity bus service to London has been successful.

Mayor Mike Bradley is delighted that their 11th-hour attempt to access funding from the province's Community Transportation Grant program was successful.

"We lost our Greyhound bus service about 15-years-ago and they approached myself and others, and other cities this past February," says Bradley. "This moved very quickly because it needed subsidy to make it work for Greyhound or any other carrier to come forward. So, it is very good news."

$1.45-million over five years has been committed to test drive a land-based transportation program connecting Sarnia-Lambton, Strathroy, Mt. Brydges and London.

"What often has happened in the past, is a carrier will come in, they'll try it for six months and it doesn't work. You need to have the long vision. So, this will give the opportunity to have a long-term plan and the right equipment to match what's needed in this market," says Bradley.

The number of trips a day and cost of the tickets has yet to be determined.

Bradley says the increased service will have a huge impact, and hopefully will lead to enhanced passenger rail and air service.

"We're not going to let up on the rail side because it's two different types of transportation," he says. "We need to continue to push, as the Chamber of Commerce is on the air side, for more transportation. Everyone wins. When we have more transportation it helps up economically and socially."

London Mayor Matt Brown says the project will help strengthen his city's role as a regional hub.

"In London, we take great pride in our world-class medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and restaurants," says Brown. "This project will help us work with our neighbours."

 

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