Corner Brook’s transit system is on the brink of significant change as the city prepares to ramp up its public transportation capabilities. With ridership numbers soaring, officials have decided to expand their fleet, opting for larger buses to cater to the increasing demand.
The transformation plan will replace the existing 15-seat buses with new 27-seat vehicles. Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons confirmed this development, stating, "The need to expand is driven by students and newcomers availing of transit." He anticipates the new buses will be operational by early December.
For quite some time, the small fleet of Corner Brook Transit has faced challenges, particularly during peak hours when buses reach capacity. Parsons noted, "We've seen really meager numbers when it came to transit, but for the last year or so, we've seen a really big increase, really since COVID. That’s great for our community." This uptick seems to be largely attributed to the influx of students and other residents who, having moved from larger cities, are more accustomed to utilizing public transport.
Reports from several passengers and drivers have highlighted the cramped conditions on the smaller buses, with some riders left behind due to full capacity. This situation has prompted the city to take action. To bolster the transportation infrastructure, Parsons stated, "+ adding capacity is just the first step; there's still work to be done."
The shift to the larger buses is just one part of the city’s larger strategy moving forward. City officials are also contemplating some extensions of their transportation services and other enhancements. Parsons revealed, "We still have our fixed routes, but we're working on some other projects. We're exploring options for additional para-transit services alongside our main lines and possibly on-demand services as well to supplement our fixed routes."
Part of this initiative includes conducting recent accessibility studies of the transit system. Parsons emphasized the need to address issues surrounding the locations of bus stops, which often vary significantly, causing inconvenience to riders. Some stops have well-structured bus shelters, but others are little more than markers on lawns, which doesn’t promote optimal usability or safety for passengers.
Beyond the immediate plans for bus expansion and improved service, Corner Brook’s administration is identifying long-term goals. One of these aims includes providing financial relief for low-income residents who rely on the transit system. Parsons said, “We’re considering offering bus passes to those on income support or the guaranteed income supplement.”
Engagement with the provincial government has also become part of the conversation, with discussions around potentially piloting free transit for residents to explore how eliminating fares might impact ridership levels and overall system usage. Parsons mused, "Let’s see how providing transit for free transforms things and how people make use of the system."
The push for these enhancements reflects wider trends across various municipalities where transit services are increasingly being reshaped by changing population dynamics and growing demand. Cities like Charlottetown recently invested heavily in new electric buses to improve their public transit systems, with many other urban areas also pouring resources to modernize their transport infrastructure.
By scaling up their fleet and visibility, Mayor Parsons and the Corner Brook administration aim to not only keep pace with local demand but also to promote transit use as an alternative to personal vehicle reliance. This is particularly relevant as concerns about climate change and urban congestion become more pronounced. Making public transportation both accessible and efficient is key to ensuring its success.
Overall, Corner Brook is taking notable steps to revamp its transit system. The upcoming arrival of larger buses is just the beginning of what city officials hope will become a comprehensive reworking of how residents move throughout the city. Whether this will lead to sustained increases in ridership remains to be seen, but the city is optimistic about the changes they are implementing as they push to meet the needs of their citizens effectively.
