The Town of Orangeville recognizes many residents rely on Orangeville Transit to get around, whether it’s for work or personal activities. Communication on changes to schedules, stops, and accessibility options is incredibly important, and Orangeville Transit is taking steps to make that information more readily available.
“This will be an ongoing process, with continual improvements made as we identify communication gaps and new ways to keep our riders informed on anything that might impact their trip,” said Tony Dulisse, Manager of Transportation and Development. “Rider experience is important to us, and we are committing to doing what we can to create a positive one.”
Currently, the Town has identified gaps in awareness of accessible options and temporary service disruptions or route changes. Although the Town has worked to communicate this publicly via social media and advance notice in the Town page advertisement in the Orangeville Citizen, it recognizes access to these methods of communication may be limited.
Here are the new processes Orangeville Transit has implemented to help:
Site overhaul of orangeville.ca/Transit
Town Staff have worked to update the layout of the Orangeville Transit page to make it easier to navigate and have necessary information more prominent. This includes prioritizing messaging for Mobility and Rider Services and putting a Service Disruption section on the page.
Mobility and Rider Services information is now broken down in an easy to consume format, and includes information on the Town’s accessible buses, alternatives, and plans for situations where an accessible bus may not be available on a specific route. It also includes information on the Service Animal Policy and procedure.
Service Disruption and Accessibility Notifications
When a service disruption occurs or one of the Town buses are not available on the route, this information will be posted to the orangeville.ca/Transit page, as well as the Schedules and Maps and Mobility and Rider Services pages.
Additionally, a banner will appear on the Town’s website identifying the service disruption and will reroute to a page with more information.
“We have heard our riders who have been asking for more regular communication, and Town Staff are working hard to implement more communication procedures,” said Mayor Lisa Post. “These changes are about transparency and act as a commitment from staff to work towards an even more positive experience for those who rely on this necessary service.”
Orangeville Transit is currently investigating additional methods to help provide notifications, including ways to include notices at major stops and the transfer hub.
Looking ahead, Staff have already begun work on more ways to improve services. In 2025, the Town will receive two new fully accessible, AODA compliant buses. It has also secured access to a school bus with wheelchair accessibility, providing a 32-passenger capacity and two wheelchair spots.
In the coming months, routes will also be optimized to help riders get around more efficiently. Staff expect to pursue public consultation and will provide advanced notice before any significant changes are made.
For more information or to view the updated website visit orangeville.ca/Transit.