New Routes, Better Service - Starting September 2009
Starting this September, Oakville Transit is offering more convenience, more choice, and more connections than ever before. This is the first step in a multi-year plan to offer Oakville residents and visitors the type of transit system they have been asking for. The following questions and answers will help you to better understand the exciting changes that are coming this fall. Our vision is to be the most livable town in Canada and at Oakville Transit that means offering services that make taking public transit your first choice in transportation.
New Oakville Transit System Map (Overview)
What is changing?
Grid System
The new service introduces a transit pattern known as a grid system. Simply, it is a north-south and east-west set of routes that offer more direct travel across Oakville. This grid system will run every 20 minutes during rush hour, and every 40 minutes in off peak times - including weekends and holidays.
Local Service
Local service is the type of transit pattern we know today. These are the routes that travel around your neighborhood. Where some local service routes overlap with the new grid system we have combined the two routes. Some routes have been adjusted, others have been extended and yet others have been re-routed to other streets - so it may be that the route traveling through your neighborhood has a new name and/or number.
Zone Express
Zone Express will be replaced with regular fixed route service seven days a week, including holidays. That means now you can enjoy regular transit service along route previously only serviced by Zone Express.
Late Night Service
Please note that Late Night Service is not changing. The four buses that provide drop off service only, from the Oakville GO Station at 12:25am and 1:25am will operate as usual.
Why is the Town making these changes?
These changes will provide customers with more service, more convenient travel within the town, more connections to GO Transit and neighboring cities. These changes are about giving residents and visitors the kind of transit service they have been asking for. These changes create a framework on which future service improvements can be built.
When will the new service start?
The new service will begin Sunday, September 6, 2009
Are the new grid routes express routes?
No. Regular bus stops will be placed along the grid routes.
Can I transfer from local service to the grid routes?
Absolutely. The plan is to improve transportation service within the Town so customers will simply ask for a transfer if they wish to move between one route and another, including the grid routes.
I am a GO commuter. Will I still be able to get to a GO Station the same way?
While there are some changes to the local service routes traveling to the GO Stations, generally, travel times to the GO Stations have remained the same. In fact, there will be more buses going to the GO Stations as well as more available transit options as some of the grid routes will also travel into the Bronte, Oakville and Clarkson GO Stations.
Will there be a fare increase?
There will not be another fare increase in 2009. Transit fares are reviewed annually to determine if there is a need for an increase in order to ensure that an appropriate portion of the operating costs is shared by the transit user.
Do the changes mean a change in where I purchase my fare?
No. You can purchase tickets and passes at all the current ticket agent locations across the Town.
Will these changes be the final changes to the system?
No. These changes are just the first step in service improvements for Oakville Transit. Over the next few years, we will continue to plan additional service improvements for the town. These future changes will build on the improvements we are making in September. As well, during the first few months of the new service, there may be a need to make small adjustments as the new service settles in.
How do I get more information about my route and schedule?
You can check back to this website, call us or stop by the Transit offices.
Are there any other improvements?
Yes. Providing a reliable and convenient transit system is a priority for Council. Other improvements include:
- New bus stop signs at all bus stop locations. These signs are larger, more colorful and more visible.
- Forty new shelters will be installed to improve customer waiting areas
- Completion of the second phase of the Uptown Core Terminal - for a total of nine bus bays
- Mississauga Transit will be providing service along Dundas Street to the Uptown Core Terminal
- A new terminal area at Sheridan College will be built this summer, on Ceremonial Drive. This new terminal will provide bus bays for Oakville Transit and GO Transit and will include improved customer waiting areas with spacious and heated shelters.
