GRT seeks second round of public input in developing Breslau transit

PRESSING AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR

some kind of bus service to Breslau, Grand River Transit is looking for public input in the second phase of its engagement process.

Rather than a conventional bus service, Grand River Transit (GRT) is contemplating what it calls an on-demand service, in which there is no fixed route, rides are shared and levels of vehicle supply are matched to demand. Riders will be able to book a vehicle to pick them up through the use of a phone application, for instance.

The first phase of public input occurred in September, with GRT receiving feedback from some 165 people, about half from Breslau, with some 40 per cent expressing an interest in the service.

With the second phase, the region will be looking for more details, including support for the on-demand model, which looks to avoid having a large bus running largely empty through a regular route, particularly in a location like Breslau where usage would be light.

The GRT was pleased with the initial input, including those who would like to travel to Breslau, said principal planner Will Towns.

“That would encapsulate people who work at the major employers or they’re maybe going for school [a post-secondary institute]. We heard from the people that we wanted to hear from, which was great.”

Respondents showed an interest in connecting to the transit hubs, the Kitchener GO station, and the universities and colleges in the region.

Concerns expressed