2016 is shaping up to be a decent year for the Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit Service.
According to Transit Manager Roger Cook ridership was up by 12% in 2015 from the same time period the year before.
Cook says they've been so busy at times that they've actually had to turn riders away, regretfully.
"Residents of the areas we serve are becoming well aware about the service, especially in Huron-Kinloss. I think the recognition that the service is around for the residents is becoming more well known and people are making use of it, they're taking rides and they're keeping us very busy," says Cook.
While business is good, Cook says he'd like to see all of the other member municipalities give some consideration to chipping in a little more funding as the S.M.A.R.T. user fees are among the highest in the province.
"Compared to averages in our population category across the province this service is considerably less well funded by the municipal partners compared to other specialized transit services," adds Cook.
Cook says while they do get some funding from the Ministry of Transportation Gas Tax for Public Transit Program, they also rely on municipal funding, user fees and donations to stay afloat.
