Category Archives: Guelph Transit

Online survey available until October 5 Guelph, Ont., September 14, 2018 – Starting today, the City invites residents to complete its online survey about transit services. “We want to hear from our riders and non-riders. We want to know why they use transit or don’t, and if they do what their satisfaction level is, how they want to receive information from us, and how we can improve the service,” says Katherine Gray, the City’s program manager of Business Process Management. The online survey, available at haveyoursay.guelph.ca until October 5, complements the telephone survey that begins on Monday, September 17. Oraclepoll Research Limited, who is conducting the telephone survey, will contact 800 Guelph Transit conventional and mobility users. Survey results will inform the Guelph Transit business… Continue reading Have your say on transit services in Guelph

Guelph, Ont., September 7, 2018 – Put your loonies away. It’s now free to ride Guelph Transit to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre. “Thanks to our friends at Royal LePage Royal City Brokerage, we’re now able to offer the Special Event Fare program at no cost to riders,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit. To receive the free special event fare, show your event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding—to and from the event. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on the event day. The extended service window provides you with the opportunity to connect with businesses and… Continue reading Ride bus for free to River Run, Sleeman Centre events

Safe Semester runs September 7 to 29 with a goal of supporting a safe and enjoyable environment downtown for businesses, residents and students. Continue reading Safe Semester kicks off September 7

Minor stop and schedule adjustments to routes 3, 17, 18 and 41 Guelph, Ont., August 23, 2018 – There’s a flurry of activity happening behind the scenes at Guelph Transit to get ready for September, as residents and students return from summer vacation. “As part of our ongoing effort to improve the service for riders, we’re training 11 new drivers and making some minor adjustments to schedules,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit. “Look for the changes to take effect on September 4.” In addition to the new drivers, who are expected to hit the road next month, adjustments are being made to three bus schedules and one bus route. Route 3 Westmount: Monday to Friday, every 30 minutes 5:45–7:15 a.m. and… Continue reading Guelph Transit gearing up for September

Guelph, Ont., June 27, 2018 – It’s official. Bus rides to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre will continue to cost riders $1 for each one-way trip. On Monday night, City Council voted unanimously in favour of making the Special Event Fare program permanent. The program was introduced last September as a pilot program to increase ridership and assist in alleviating parking and traffic pressures in Guelph’s downtown core. To receive the $1 special event fare, riders must show their event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding. This is a savings of $2 per trip. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on… Continue reading Guelph Transit’s Special Event Fare program here to stay

Guelph, Ont., June 14, 2018 – Starting June 18, you can buy Guelph Transit single bus tickets or monthly passes at any of the Guelph Public Library branches in the city. Main library, 100 Norfolk Street Bullfrog Mall, 380 Eramosa Road East Side, 1 Starwood Drive Scottsdale Centre, 650 Scottsdale Drive West End, 21 Imperial Road South Westminster, 100-31 Farley Drive “We’re excited to extend our vendor locations to include Guelph’s library branches; giving you more options on where you can purchase tickets and passes,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager of Guelph Transit. The Guelph Public Library accepts debit, credit and cash as payment for tickets and passes. Monthly bus passes can be purchased at any vendor location about two weeks prior to the… Continue reading Bus tickets available at Guelph Public Library branches

Guelph, Ont., April 26, 2018 – Guelph Transit is making schedules changes to three of its bus routes, effective May 6. Route 3 Westmount: new morning departure at 5:44 a.m. (beginning at Westmount at Kimberly southbound to Downtown), Monday to Friday. New evening departure at 12:30 a.m. from Guelph Central Station (ending at Woodlawn at Edinburgh eastbound), Monday to Friday. Route 11 Willow West/14 Grange: the 12:10 a.m. departure will no longer be offered Monday to Friday. The last trip is now 12:15 a.m. Route 17 Woodlawn Watson: new evening departures at 6:20 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. on Sunday; new evening departure at 6:50 p.m. on holidays. Please note: This schedule adjustment came into effect in late February. Route schedules and trip planning can be… Continue reading Minor schedule adjustments to routes 3, 11, 14 and 17

Guelph, Ont., April 24, 2018 – Guelph Transit is installing 52 new shelters at bus stops across the city—bringing the total number of shelters to 110. The shelters provide riders with a protected area away from wind, rain, or snow, and offer them a place to sit until the bus arrives. “The new shelters are a part of our ongoing commitment to improving customer service on and off the bus. We’re confident the shelters will be a welcome addition for riders along our routes,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit. Earlier this month, 15 shelters were installed, including one at Imperial Road at West End Community Centre southbound. Another 15 shelters will be in place in May and the remaining 22 will… Continue reading Guelph Transit installing new bus stop shelters

Guelph, Ont., April 13, 2018 – We are prepared for the forecasted freezing rain expected this weekend.  The following list will help you prepare too. Roads and sidewalks City crews will monitor the weather throughout the weekend and will apply salt and brine to the roads and sidewalks as needed. If you must drive, give yourself plenty of time to get around. You can follow our trucks at guelph.ca/snow. Report a road and sidewalk Trees Ice buildup can make trees heavy, causing branches to break and trees to fail. Even healthy trees that are structurally sound can fall under the weight of ice. Keep an eye on your private trees. Our forestry crews will be dealing with tree issues on City property, as they become… Continue reading Freezing rain is coming: here’s what you need to know

A new provincial-federal agreement earmarks up to $106 million over 10 years for potential Guelph transit infrastructure projects. Continue reading Guelph transit gets federal-provincial funding boost

Guelph Transit provides several options to plan your trip, get complete bus schedules, and access real-time information about your bus route. Real-time bus arrival information From your bus stop, call 519-822-1811. Press 2, follow the prompts, and enter your bus stop identification number for arrival times. Bus schedules at Guelph Transit stops Detailed schedules are now available at all bus stops across the city. The revised information posts include a static schedule as well as call-in and online instructions for real-time bus arrival information. We thank our riders for their patience while we replaced the information posts. If you still have questions or need help planning your trip, please email transit@guelph.ca  or call 519-822-1811. Printed bus schedules Brochures are available at City Hall, Guelph Civic Museum, Evergreen… Continue reading Plan your trip, get complete bus schedules, and access real-time information

Guelph, Ont., February 2, 2018 – Beginning this September, full-time students enrolled at Conestoga College’s Guelph campus will receive a Universal Bus Pass (U-pass) as part of their tuition—giving them unlimited access to ride Guelph Transit. The one-year pilot program, which ends Aug. 31, 2019, is the result of a referendum held last February by Conestoga Students Incorporated (CSI)—the official student association at the college. During the three-day vote, full-time students at the Guelph campus voted 53 per cent in favour of CSI and Guelph Transit implementing a U-pass pilot program. “This partnership is a great example of Guelph Transit’s commitment to identify opportunities for ridership and revenue growth. It’s truly a win-win; Guelph Transit grows its customer base and Conestoga students get unlimited access… Continue reading U-pass program extended to Guelph’s Conestoga College students

Northbound lane reduction also starts on Norfolk at Gordon The City is building a new parking facility at the site of the Wilson Street parking lot. The new parkade will provide over 400 new parking spaces. Parkade construction is expected to be complete in 2019. Wilson Street closure and Gordon/Norfolk northbound lane reduction Starting on February 5, Wilson Street will be closed between Gordon Street and Northumberland Street for the duration of the construction, about 18 months. There will also be a lane reduction on Norfolk Street between Gordon Street and Macdonell Street and traffic will change as follows: The left most northbound lane on Gordon Street will become a left-turn lane only (onto Waterloo Avenue) The centre lane will be the through lane on… Continue reading Construction notice: Wilson Street, Norfolk footbridge closing for parkade construction starting February 5

Guelph, Ont., January 25, 2018 – The City of Guelph has introduced  a single-application process for residents who are applying for a subsidy program like the Affordable Buss Pass, Fee Assistance in Recreation (FAIR) and animal licensing. “This new process makes it much easier for our residents when filling out the paperwork,” says Alex Goss, manager of Community Investment. “The one application saves time and reduces the need for our residents to share sensitive information over and over again.” Residents can apply for the City’s subsidy programs online at guelph.ca under the How can we help you? tab. Residents can also download the application, fill it out and return it to Service Guelph at City Hall, the West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre,… Continue reading City improves application process for subsidy programs

The City of Guelph regrets to announce that General Manager Mike Spicer will leave the City to join the Halifax Regional Municipality as its Manager of Transit Operations, effective February 2, 2018. Continue reading City’s General Manager of Transit accepts position at Halifax Transit

                      Guelph, Ontario, December 8, 2017—Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day. The governments of Canada and Ontario are making investments that will help create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future. Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Liz Sandals, President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, and His Worship Cam Guthrie, Mayor of the City of… Continue reading Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in public transit in Guelph

Updated: January 12, 2018 Guelph, Ont., December 7, 2017 – Guelph Transit is making minor adjustments to a few  of its routes, starting January 7. “The adjustments are part of our ongoing effort to improve the service for riders as we work toward building a more efficient and effective transit system for Guelph,” says Mike Spicer, general manager of Guelph Transit. Affected routes include: 3 Westmount, 41 Downtown-University Express, 11 Willow West/14 Grange, 16 Southgate, 40 Scottsdale Express, 51 U Janefield, 52 U Kortright, and 57 U Ironwood/58 U Edinburgh. On September 3, Guelph Transit realigned routes to increase the frequency of buses in areas where there was a greater demand for the service. Since then, Guelph Transit management has been analyzing data and reviewing… Continue reading Guelph Transit makes tweaks to select routes

The agreement takes effect immediately. More information will be available on guelph.ca once both parties have signed the agreement. Continue reading City and Guelph Transit union ratify collective agreement

GUELPH, ON, November 6, 2017 — The City of Guelph and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1189, representing the City’s full- and part-time transit employees, have reached a tentative collective agreement. “We’re pleased to reach this agreement without any disruption to City transit services,” said David Godwaldt, Guelph’s general manager of Human Resources. “We want to thank the union for working with us to negotiate an affordable settlement that protects taxpayers’ interests and provides fair, equitable and competitive compensation to employees.” Details of the settlement will not be released until the union and Guelph City Council vote to ratify the tentative agreement. The agreement goes to City Council for ratification on November 13, and the union will hold a ratification vote on November 19. “During… Continue reading City of Guelph and Guelph Transit union reach tentative agreement

Guelph, Ont., October 6, 2017 – Guelph Transit’s boarding and ridership numbers for September show an overall increase of 44 per cent over 2016. Last month, 759,053 trips were taken compared to 524,694 during the same time last year. There was also a 15 per cent increase in fare paying riders. “The numbers clearly show that last month’s route realignment is off to an impressive start and that we’re meeting our goal to put buses where and when people need them the most,” says Mike Spicer, Guelph Transit general manager. “This is great news for Guelph Transit and the entire city,” adds Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I’m thankful for the leadership at Guelph Transit, being able to achieve these results within the existing 2017 budget. I’m… Continue reading Guelph Transit ridership up 44 per cent in September

Guelph, Ont., September 20, 2017 – Guelph Transit is making it easier to catch an event at the Sleeman Centre and River Run Centre by offering $1 bus rides, starting with the Guelph Storm’s home opener against Sarnia Sting on Friday, September 22. The one-year Special Event Fare pilot program, approved by Guelph Council last June, allows event attendees, with proof of ticket, to ride Guelph Transit to and from an event for $1 for each one-way trip. Riders must show their event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding to receive the $1 special event fare. This is a savings of $2, per trip. Christine Laithwaite, supervisor of Transit Business Services, says it’s important to note that riders must pay the… Continue reading Guelph Transit introduces special event fare

Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., September 1, 2017 – The media is invited to join us on Sunday, September 3, as Guelph Transit begins service on the 99 Mainline. As part of the September route realignment, the 99 Mainline will run north and south along the Gordon/Norfolk/Woolwich corridor allowing passengers to travel though the city with greater ease. Guelph Transit, and the City, is committed to building an efficient and effective transit system for, and with the input of, Guelph residents. Staff will be onsite at Guelph Central Station and the University Centre Sunday morning to thank passengers for their ridership and participation in the route realignment. While no speeches will be given, Mayor Guthrie and Guelph Transit staff will be available… Continue reading Guelph Transit’s route 99 Mainline is ready to roll

Routes and schedules are changing to improve service Guelph, Ont., August 24, 2017 – When buses begin to roll on the morning of September 3, Guelph Transit will be operating new routes, schedules and stops. Included in this route realignment is the introduction of the 99 Mainline that will run north and south along the Gordon/Norfolk/Woolwich corridor allowing passengers to travel though the city with greater ease. Guelph Transit, and the City, is committed to building an efficient and effective transit system for Guelph. Realigning routes enables Guelph Transit to increase bus frequency in areas with heavy passenger loads, during specific times of day. These changes have been informed by public input, passenger data and transit operator feedback. Community Bus Service In addition to changes… Continue reading Passenger input and ridership data drive transit route changes

We have added routes, made changes to several existing routes, added new bus stops, and removed bus stops that were not being used very often. Continue reading Guelph Transit service changes, effective September 3, 2017

MP Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced today that the City of Guelph’s new public transit project has been approved. Continue reading $19.4 million to be invested in Guelph Transit infrastructure

The City’s applications to date have successfully secured $17.3 million for eight infrastructure-related projects in our community. Continue reading Federal infrastructure funding projects

Province providing new funding to manage congestion, improve commutes Guelph, Ontario, December 22, 2016 – Ontario is helping Guelph enhance and expand its transit system to reduce congestion, shorten commute times, and help people get to where they’re going faster. This year, Guelph is receiving $2,812,710 in gas tax funding to support public transit upgrades and enhancements that could include purchasing new transit vehicles, adding more routes, extending hours of service, or improving accessibility. Improving and expanding public transit also helps reduce air pollution and meet the province’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. One bus takes up to 40 vehicles off the road, and keeps 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere each year. Supporting stronger public transit systems is part of… Continue reading Ontario helping Guelph improve and expand public transit

Priority seating 101 Did you know that not all disabilities are visible? Guelph Transit is raising awareness about the availability of priority seating on buses. Priority seating is located at the front of the bus for use by people with disabilities. All buses also have a courtesy seating area, located beyond the priority seating area, for seniors, expectant mothers, caregivers travelling with infants or small children, and other passengers who could benefit from having a seat while travelling on the bus. According to AODA Compliance Regulation 191-11, if you are sitting in one of the designated priority seats, you must vacate the seat for a passenger with a disability. But at Guelph Transit, it’s not just about following the regulation; it’s about making transportation accessible… Continue reading Do your part to help riders

Colleen Clack, who has served as the City of Guelph’s general manager, Culture, Tourism and Community Investment for the past six years, has been appointed by the Executive Team as the City’s newest deputy chief administrative officer (DCAO) of Public Services. In her new position, Clack will oversee Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, Emergency Services, Guelph Transit, Operations, and Parks and Recreation. Continue reading Colleen Clack appointed as City’s newest Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

Guelph City Council agreed to the list of projects recommended for federal infrastructure funding. Continue reading City prioritizes 12 projects for federal infrastructure funding

A look at some of the budget details On December 10, 2015, City Council approved a $216 million operating budget and a $61 million capital budget for 2016. This represents a 2.99 per cent tax increase over 2015. In approving the budget, Council approved $3.6 million in reductions to the base budget which included adjustments to purchased goods and services, revenue including a 15 per cent increase to vendor fees at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, and service level changes for Guelph Transit (described below). Within the capital budget, Council approved 124 projects including but not limited to Transit fare box replacement, vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacements, bridge replacements/upgrades (including Niska Bridge), South End Community Park continued implementation, and downtown parkade construction. The following identifies the… Continue reading 2016 budget highlights