From Voyago Transit, Facebook
Lambton College students created a 275% increase in ridership along Huron Shores Area Transit’s route 1 last year – that’s according to a report to Bluewater Council at their meeting last Monday, (April 15th).
Susan Mills, Transit Coordinator for Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT), presented the 2023 year-end report, outlining both successes and challenges faced by the transit service.
One of the key highlights of the report was the significant increase in ridership, with almost 4,000 bus runs recorded in 2023. Monthly average ridership reached 1,672, with long-distance trips comprising 47% of the total ridership.
However, challenges such as vehicle shortages were noted, with complaints regarding overcrowding on certain routes.
Despite these challenges, HSAT remains on track to meet ridership projections for the year, with a forecasted 32,000 passenger trips. She emphasized the changing demographics of transit users, with younger generations opting for public transportation as a cost-saving measure.
At the outset of HSAT, it was thought that the ridership would be dominated by specific demographics, but that has proven not to be true.
In response to questions and suggestions from Council members, including extending services to neighboring areas and exploring partnerships with educational institutions, Mills pointed to the challenges posed by fixed budgets but expressed optimism for the future of transit in the region.
Mayor Paul Klopp commended the efforts of those involved in advancing the transit project and emphasized its importance in providing accessible transportation options for residents and reducing environmental impact.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
