Clearview to purchase bus, proceed with transit service

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After a six-month trial, Clearview council has decided to purchase a 20-seat bus and continue providing transit service in Stayner.

“Kudos to staff,” said Deputy Mayor Barry Burton at the May 16 council discussion. “I have heard nothing but positive comments about the bus.”

Tim Hendry, the township’s communication and marketing coordinator, has been managing the bus. He reported to council that the new bus will cost $93,957.56 and will be funded through provincial gas tax funds. The township piggybacked on a request-for-proposal (RFP) for buses issued by the Town of Wasaga Beach, so Clearview will not have to go through its own RFP.

During the trial period Clearview Township was renting a bus from the service provider, at a cost of $40 per day.

According to the data, there has been an average of 21 rides taken each day since the service began on Nov. 25. April had the highest ridership so far, with 656 trips.

Burton asked when the bus could be expanded to other areas of Clearview?

With the County of Simcoe contemplating a transit expansion, there was some discussion about how that could free up resources to expand the Clearview route, running a bus to Creemore, for instance.

Councillor Doug Measures said people in Nottawa would also benefit from a bus to Blue Mountain, which is a major employer.

Councillor Robert Walker said he too has heard nothing but praise for the trial and knows of people who are benefitting from the service. He noted, one man no longer has to pay for a cab to go to work at the Real Canadian Superstore in Wasaga Beach.

“There is interest in expansion but we have to crawl before we can walk,” he said.

The motion passed unanimously.

Council also agreed to implement a monthly ‘Smart Card’ pass system ($40 for adults and $30 for students).

This year, the township budgeted $120,000 for the purchase of a bus. In addition to the $93,957.56, there will be approximately $20,000 worth of Smart Card pass technology and accessibility upgrades.

“To ensure that the transit bus is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities ACT (AODA), an audio and visual system will be installed on the bus. The new system will provide pre-boarding and next stop announcements both inside and outside of the bus,” reported Hendry. “The system is a one-time fee of approximately $9,000 with an annual license fee of $700.”

Council also approved a reduction of service, including reduced hours on Sundays.

The bus schedule and route is available online at clearview.ca.

Girardin Blue Bird was the successful bidder through the bus procurement process.

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