Special Sunday-night bus service slated for two-year extension

Coronavirus complications notwithstanding, Sault Transit's Sunday-evening on-demand service will be recommended Monday for a two-year extension.

The city launched a one-year trial of the idea on Sept. 8, 2019, during the traditionally low-ridership hours of 7:15 p.m. to midnight.

"The city was able to reduce from nine buses, which cover regular routes, to eight buses utilizing on-demand service in a more efficient manner towards the cost of the pilot," says Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services.

"In addition, there was significant improvement in terms of service delivery as the average wait time for the pilot timeframe was thirteen minutes versus hour service for regular Sunday evenings," Lamming says.

The phone app-based service is proving especially popular with post-secondary students and passengers who are tech-savvy.

"A dispatcher remains on duty to support individuals and to continue to educate and aid individuals who require assistance," Lamming says in a written report.

"The on-demand service allows passengers to travel from one pre-existing established stop to another at a time as requested without having to transfer buses. The average completion rate is 79 per cent versus the goal of 75 per cent."

"The transit division is excited to extend the pilot for another two years for Sunday evenings. The longer-term goal is to expand the service offering once the conventional fleet can be replenished to a stable level."

"Smaller units would then be procured to expand on-demand service. Utilizing smaller units would allow for door-to-door service, reduce wait times and transit could be delivered in a more cost-efficient manner," Lamming said.

Monday's City Council meeting will be teleconferenced because of COVID-19 restrictions on public meetings.

SooToday will livestream the meeting starting at 4:30 p.m.