As Oxford County continues to mull over the idea of an intercommunity transit system, residents are being asked to help shape the proposed plan.
An online survey has been launched to gather feedback from both residents and business owners on the possible new service.
Oxford County, in partnership with the townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock and Zorra, are considering offering the transit system in the northern end of the county. The proposed service would run on a fixed stop loop connecting Tavistock, Embro, Plattsville, Drumbo, Innerkip, and Woodstock. The connections could also link to the Grand River Transit System in New Hamburg, the Stratford Intercity Transit System in Shakespeare, and the Middlesex and Tillsonburg Intercommunity Transit Systems at the Woodstock Transit Terminal.
"In Oxford County, transportation options that serve more people can help address some of the unfilled jobs that exist in the community. Access to transportation and the ability to travel around the county are consistently identified as an area of concern for residents," county officials said in a statement on Tuesday.
The proposed service would be financed through the Ontario Gas Tax transit fund, ticket sales, and contributions or investment from employers who benefit from the service. A small portion of the cost would be covered by taxpayers through a municipal tax levy on municipal property tax bills.
The 19-question survey allows residents and businesses to weigh-in on bus stop locations, schedules, and cost. A public meeting on the possible transit system will also be held next month.
To participate in the survey click here.
An inter-city transit service linking London, Strathroy, and Sarnia, with three round trips each weekday and two round trips Saturday and Sunday, officially begins rolling on August 4.
