With the new Perth County Connect transit service now in use across Perth County, North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg hopes to see some benefits from the new asset locally.
Kasenberg says the new service hopefully increases tourism, gives an economic boost for businesses and also potentially helps businesses in another way.
"We have a lot of jobs here. This transit system opens up the possibility that people from other parts of Perth County and also from Kitchener-Waterloo can easily make it into North Perth and contribute to our labour force here."
Mayor Kasenberg says many employers in the county have jobs available constantly and can't always fill them, but the new transit system may help fix that. He also says on top of obvious economic benefits, he new transit service will improve the social lives of people.
"I think our youth will appreciate the ability to move from community to community. Our seniors may well appreciate an easy, convenient way to connect with family and friends and other Perth County communities, as well as Kitchener-Waterloo and even London via the St. Marys route."
The PC Connect transit service launched on November 16th and is offering 50 percent off all fares until January 1st. North Perth have published a frequently asked questions page to answer and clarify any information about the new service. That can be seen below:
PC Connect Frequently Asked Questions:
Do drivers carry money to make change?
No. Exact fare is required. Place cash in the fare box when you get on the bus.
Does Perth County Connect operate on holidays and Sundays?
No. Service runs Monday through Saturday. Please see the website for schedule details. There is no transit service on Sundays, statutory holidays (except Boxing Day), or civic holidays.
Are pets allowed on board?
Service animals are permitted. Pets that are not service animals can be brought on board the bus if they are in a pet carrier.
Can minors ride the bus without an adult present?
Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult to ride the bus, or must provide a signed note from a parent or guardian permitting them to ride the bus without an adult.
Is there a monthly pass option?
Not at this time. Perth County Connect is working to provide a monthly pass option for riders.
Can I book a ticket online?
No. Perth County Connect is working to develop a ticket booking application with our service provider. More information will be releases as it becomes available. For now, rides must be booked over the phone by calling 1-888-465-0783 to book your trip. Trip details will be emailed to you.
Who is providing the service?
Voyago is the contracted service provider for Perth County Connect.
Who do I call if I have questions or concerns about my trip?
Call the 24 hour toll free customer service line at 1-888-465-0783
Does service still operate in inclement weather?
Due to safety concerns, service may not operate if the weather and/or road conditions are deemed unsafe for vehicles to operate. Call 1-888-465-0783 to inquire about service cancelations during inclement weather
Where will changes or updates to the service be posted?
All schedule, route, fare, and service information can be found on the Perth County Connect webpage: http://www.perthcounty.ca/pcconnect
How is the service being funded?
Perth County Connect Routes A and B are funded by a $1.45 million grant to the County of Perth from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Community Transportation Program. Perth County Connect Routes 1, 2, and 3 are funded by a $1.45 million grant to the City of Stratford from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Community Transportation Program. Additional funding is being provided through an equal partnership between the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, and the Municipality of North Perth.