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The Town of Orangeville’s two-year fare-free transit pilot program will be extended until July 21, 2027. A staff recommendation to continue the program for the next two-and-a-half years was approved by Council on September 23.

A report provided by staff notes that ridership has more than doubled since introduction of the program, with an anticipated 262,780 riders by the end of 2024. In 2019, the last full year of transit prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Orangeville Transit saw just over 100,000 riders.

“From a numbers perspective, the data included in our report demonstrates that the program has been a success,” explained Tony Dulisse, manager, Transportation and Development. “By extending the program we will be able to provide a more comprehensive review not only of the ridership, environmental, and economic impacts for the community, but also provide clear data on the financial aspects. Providing Council with clear and concise data to make informed decisions is Staff’s goal and responsibility.”

One of the numbers absent from the report is the impact of the gas tax offset, which is expected to increase when ridership increases. This is due to the fact the gas tax has a ‘lag’ period of two years, meaning the municipality will not receive the amount for 2023 until 2025.

Mayor Lisa Post notes that some user groups within Orangeville have expressed that the program is profoundly impacting their lives socially and economically. Post shared that seniors who were previously budgeting for transit use just once a week for provisions like groceries, and remaining at home the rest of the time, are now enjoying robust social lives and can get out in the community much more often.

“I've heard so much positive feedback about this program from different populations within our community that I wasn’t expecting feedback from,” said Mayor Lisa Post. “I continue to hear the reinforcement from the community about what a great social program this is. I wholeheartedly support this program.”

The motion to move the program forward was carried unanimously.

The fare free pilot is just one of the ways Orangeville Transit is working on enhancing the ridership experience and the services it provides.

In 2024, a review of accessibility on the buses and the transit website was undertaken and changes are being implemented. A review of the transit routes is also underway, with two new route options being considered to extend service to more areas in Orangeville.

Orangeville Transit intends to seek public feedback on the proposed route changes, with information coming soon to the website and a public information session expected to be held in mid-October.

For more information on Fare Free Transit or to watch for updates on upcoming Orangeville Transit changes, visit orangeville.ca/Transit.