Grand River Transit

[rangersfan]

As much as I agree about the short term financial future of operating low ridership routes in the suburbs the main point for me is that it is hard to attract long term transit riders if people grow up in an area that virtually has no transit service. In the same vein I would really like to see growth in the number of users in the suburbs, however unlikely this may be. As obvious as it seems the best way to reverse the current economic situation of these low ridership routes is to grow the ridership. I am hopeful that more and more employers will locate their employment base near the core, making the transit option more appealing, only time will tell.

The unfortunate fact: I have worked in the areas high tech sector for over 8 years and the vast majority of people don't even consider the local transit service an option for their commute to work. Although a couple of people have indicated that they would consider taking the LRT to work in the future. The growth of GRT is promising, however we are still not at a point where many people are willing to give up their car. Increasing the frequency, improving stops and signage, cost competitiveness and system connectivity will drive ridership.

Currently I work on Kumpf Ave, during the warmer months I bike to work and during the other half of the year I take the bus when possible. On Wednesday the night of the epic 2 hr trip home on the bus I was surprised at how many people were taking the 14, it was promising.