Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) has extended its route through Bluewater to now include weekends and late evening services.
The expansion of route three aims to attract more riders and raise awareness about public transit options among Bluewater residents, cottagers, and visitors. Previously, the route operated only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, with two return trips scheduled between noon and 5:12 p.m. Now, during July and August, route three offers two afternoon trips on Saturdays and Sundays.
The evening bus departs Grand Bend at 8 p.m., traveling through Bluewater and arriving at the Walmart Plaza in Goderich by 9:12 p.m. On the return trip to Grand Bend, stops are scheduled in Bayfield at the Old Town Hall and Cameron Street.
Despite successful ridership on routes connecting Sarnia and London to Grand Bend, route three in Bluewater has faced challenges in attracting passengers. Marketing efforts have been ongoing, but low numbers raise concerns about the route’s future beyond its pilot project in 2025.
Transit coordinator Susan Mills noted community feedback from Parkhill and Ailsa Craig residents in 2023, prompting adjustments to route three’s schedule to better meet summer weekend demands. The updated summer schedule for route three is available for download on huronshoresareatransit.ca/bluewater.
Written by: K. Milhomens
