On the move

Public Transit Plan attracts provincial support

The County of Prince Edward has received $500,000 in provincial grant funding over the next five years to implement the new Public Transit Plan and Business Case. The need to expand transit service in the County has been an increasing concern. In 2013, the County Foundation Vital Signs Report established that living independently and with dignity in the County is impossible without reasonable access to public transportation. Transportation barriers adversely affect not only individuals, but also County employers, retailers and service providers of all types. At a recent press conference to announce the funding at Crystal Palace, the Women’s Institute (WI) of Prince Edward County was also recognized for their pioneering efforts to establish the County’s first public transit service.

“Without the efforts of the WI to bring specialized transit to the County and continuing to support that service through annual donations, the current transit plan and business case would have looked very different,” says Neil Carbone, Director of Community Development and Strategic Initiatives. “Because of the WI’s efforts, we were in a position to build upon the existing services offered by Quinte Access, and this means a higher degree of cost recovery than most rural transit services.”

Brian Beiles, President of The County Foundation, holds the Prince Edward County Vital Signs report, which named transportation as an issue area for immediate action.

County council approved the Public Transit Plan and Business Case earlier this month as a guide for future development of public transit in Prince Edward County. The County of Prince Edward and the County Foundation, with support from the Vital Signs Getting Around Working Group and local transit service providers, developed the five-year plan. The plan will roll out over the next five years in partnership with existing transportation providers, including County taxi cab companies as well as Deseronto Transit and Quinte Access.

Goals for the transit plan are to provide mobility options to all residents of the County that are sustainable, cost effective and in line with other rural communities. Options to make round trips within the County are a focus, as well as aiming to improve the connections to seasonal employment opportunities to help bolster the growing tourism industry. The County is also looking to keep the lines of communication open and build on the service incrementally, monitoring response in demand before growing further.

“The need to expand transit service to all residents of The County is a priority for the municipality. We are pleased and grateful to receive support through the Community Transportation Grant Program to implement the plan and better meet the mobility needs of residents, employees and visitors,” says Mayor Robert Quaiff.

By getting the ball rolling on public transit, the County is putting a lot of minds at ease regarding the current state of getting around in the County. Several demographics will see this as a vital service in their daily lives. From the older generation who can no longer drive, to the younger generation who may not be able to purchase a car yet, this transit plan opens up a world of opportunities for County residents. The fact that all transportation companies in the area are involved means that everyone can move this forward and feel good about providing a necessary service to this community.