Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk joins Mayor Gary McNamara and Tecumseh town council to announce funding for a on-demand transit pilot project. July 23, 2021. (Photo via @IrekKusmierczyk on Twitter)Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk joins Mayor Gary McNamara and Tecumseh town council to announce funding for a on-demand transit pilot project. July 23, 2021. (Photo via @IrekKusmierczyk on Twitter)
Windsor

Funding for on-demand transit project announced in Tecumseh

The Town of Tecumseh announced funding for a pilot project that will bring an on-demand transit service to the municipality.

On-demand transit uses computer algorithms that responds to service requests to develop instantaneous routing instead of following a pre-planned route or schedule. As a result, stops can be served more efficiently as the bus goes directly to where and when people are waiting.

"We are excited to be the first municipality in Windsor-Essex to introduce on-demand service," said Mayor Gary McNamara. "As an alternative service delivery we have the potential to reach more people, provide enhanced service and potentially extend service into areas of the town that were previously not serviced."

Service requests are made through a smartphone app and handled almost instantaneously. Alternatively, a phone-in service request option will also be available for people without smartphones. The service will not impact the cost of fares.

On Friday, Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk announced $27,150 in federal funding for from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will be used for software and the implementation of the pilot project.

"Investing in modern public transit systems is essential to building the healthy, sustainable communities of tomorrow," Kusmierczyk said.

Going forward, Tecumseh will work to secure a service provider to implement the project which is expected to launch sometime in the fall.

After the 12 month pilot concludes, an evaluation will be provided to town council where consideration could be given to make on-demand transit permanent.

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