FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Middlesex County Launching New Inter-Community Transit Route Connecting Dorchester, London, and St. Thomas
Middlesex County, March 14, 2024 – Middlesex County is excited to announce the launch of a new inter-community transit route providing connectivity between Dorchester, London, and St. Thomas, commencing operations on Monday, April 8, 2024.
The new route will be operated by Voyago and will offer commuters four round trips daily, with two in the morning and two in the afternoon, running from Monday to Saturday. Morning services will operate from 6:10 am to 10:25 am, while afternoon services will run from 3:00 pm to 7:10 pm on weekdays, and from 8:10 am to 12:25 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:10 pm on Saturdays.
"The introduction of this new transit route marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance transportation options for our residents," says Cindy Howard, General Manager of Finance and Community Services at Middlesex County. “It expands access to important employment centres and connects residential areas with essential services and transit hubs that were not previously accessible by existing routes”.
The route will start at the FlightExec Centre in Dorchester, proceeding through London with stops at the Wilton Grove Industrial Park and White Oaks Mall. It will then continue towards St. Thomas, stopping at Valleyview Home and St. Thomas's industrial area before reaching the Transit Hub.
A one-way trip on the Middlesex County Connect route will be priced at $5, with children under 6, support persons, and veterans riding at no cost. Passengers will have the flexibility to pay fares using cash or credit/debit payment on the bus. Additionally, passengers can benefit from pre-booking and live tracking of the bus arrival via the free Blaise Transit app. The route will also prioritize inclusivity by offering fully accessible transportation for all passengers. The bus will feature 16 seats, with 2 wheelchair-accessible spots and equipped with a wheelchair lift.
“Since its launch in 2020, the Middlesex County Connect service has been met with positive feedback, and ridership has steadily risen over time. We observed a significant 169% increase in ridership in 2023 alone," says Anum Maqsood, the Community Transportation Project Manager for Middlesex County. This expansion of service to now include an additional inter-community transit route underscores the growing demand for accessible, affordable, and convenient transportation options in our region.
“The decision to introduce this route stems from a comprehensive analysis of resident feedback, population and economic growth trends, and the pressing need for enhanced transportation options within the region”. says Cara Finn, the Director of Economic Development for Middlesex County. “Middlesex County remains dedicated to fostering sustainable transportation solutions and looks forward to the positive impact of the new inter-community transit route on residents and businesses alike”.
Middlesex County Connect routes, including this new addition, are funded by the Government of Ontario's Community Transportation Grant Program. Provincial funding for Middlesex County Connect concludes on March 31, 2025.
Middlesex County extends an invitation to residents and stakeholders to join us in celebrating the launch of our new route on Monday, April 8, 2024. For more information, please visit middlesex.ca/ct.
Note: The information provided in this news release is accurate as of the date of issuance and is subject to change as Middlesex County Connect services continue to evolve.
Middlesex County Connect
The Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit service has been operating since September 2020. It has been made possible through funding provided by the Government of Ontario's Community Transportation Grant Program. Provincial funding for Middlesex County Connect will be available until March 31, 2025.
Middlesex County Connect currently operates two round-trip bus routes Monday to Friday:
Route 1: Lucan, Ilderton, Arva, and London.
Route 2: Woodstock, Ingersoll, Putnam, Dorchester, and London.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Middlesex County Media Relations Legislative Services Division