A long-planned intercity bus service connecting Sarnia, Strathroy and London, will get rolling early next month.
The transit service, funded by the province through 2023, will begin operating three round trips daily and two weekend round trips August 4.
Sarnia Transit Superintendent Andrew Savor said the service will provide economic benefits for all communities involved.
"So the economic impact we anticipate, will be significant in terms of employment but also for educational reasons and for various personal reasons," said Savor. "Residents of London, Sarnia, Komoka, Mount Brydges and Strathroy will be able to board a bus and travel between these various communities fairly seamlessly and at a very low cost."
The fare price will be between $5 and $20, depending on how far a passenger travels, and children under the age of five will be able to ride for free. Passengers will have to reserve seats by calling 519-787-1055.
Savor said the service provider, Voyago, has implemented many measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and employees, in response to the COVID pandemic.
"Masks and other face coverings will be mandatory on all buses to comply with the most stringent and latest local health unit mandates among the municipalities that Voyago serves -- increased frequent cleaning, absolutely."
Savor added the buses will be limited to an approximate seating capacity of between 10 to 12 passengers, roughly half of the 22 available seats.
Local residents will be able to catch the bus at three stops in Sarnia: Lambton Mall, Bayside, and the Via Rail train station. The bus also makes a stop at London Airport.
Savor said the plan is to monitor ridership very carefully.
"The reason for this is that if ridership continues to build like we assume it will, then the various municipalities will look at adding additional capacity in the form of a bus or other necessary resources in order to facilitate growth."
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