Transit Re-Design Launch

Today the Transit re-design launched. I tried the new system out with Councillor Mike O'Connor.

We started in an On-Demand area. Booked a ride to Towne Centre Mall and caught a transfer on the Shopper's Shuttle (#3) to Westgate. Councillor O'Connor [allegedly] kicked my butt at shuffleboard. Then I took the Shopper's Shuttle downtown again and caught a transfer home.

On Demand was really slick. It took me about 3 minutes to download the app and I didn't have to provide any personal information besides a phone number. It took me less than 2 minutes to figure out the app and book a ride. (You can also call in to book a ride if you aren't comfortable with an app.) I got texts when the ride was 15 and 5 minutes out and it arrived exactly on time.

Fixed routes were more problematic. Ended up doing more waiting than was reasonable. But I also expected hiccups on day 1. I'm sure they will improve, but will be paying close attention.

I appreciated seeing a Transit Supervisor at the Towne Centre hub helping people navigate the new system. We also ended up riding the #3 with the Transit Manager. This was completely unplanned: Councillor O'Connor and I didn't tell staff we would be on the bus today. I appreciated management being so in the trenches for the re-design launch. I know a few hiccups have already been identified and will be corrected within the next week.

Throughout the day, I talked to everyone I could who was using Transit. The overwhelming sentiment: "I'm a little bit confused but it seems like to will be good."

I REALLY appreciated every driver having good cheer about driving new routes and helping riders learn a new system.

Three highlights:

-At Popeyes we mentioned to a worker that we were about to try the new Transit system. He said a co-worker had just been telling him about the re-design and they were really excited: they basically didn't have Transit service to work before, and now they do.

-A senior mentioned that she appreciates Transit because she always feels safe getting around town.

-A mom and daughter were on Transit for the first time ever. They had always been walkers. But now there is actually routes that work for their routines.

The lowlight:

-One senior was on her second trip around a route because she missed her stop the first time. But I think she got sorted out by staff and was on track to get where she needed to go.

The biggest area for improvement I see right now: the Rider's Guide is difficult for many to read. It looks very nice and clean. But likely needs some re-working to be more readable.

The biggest thing I am keeping my eye on: fixed route schedule adherence and how transfers go as the system gets ironed out.

The thing I am most excited for: On Demand. I'd LOVE to see us extend Transit hours. People deserve to be able to get to/from late work shifts, medical appointments, and social engagements. But it just isn't a reasonable use of resident dollars to have very empty busses running on fixed routes in the evenings: On Demand could be a good way to extend hours. And I would love to see is eventually integrate Accessible trips with the wider On Demand Transit system: that would give a lot more dignity and social opportunities for people using Accessible Transit. I hope to see On Demand work really great so we can expand its use.

The thing I think needs to be the most on Council's immediate radar: A LOT of trips require waits/transfers are Towne Centre Mall. And the hub there is completely exposed to the west wind with limited shelter. Improvements should be made there.

Transit was my main method of Transportation for a few months in 2018 when we first started seriously talking about a re-design. Now that the re-design is out, it's going to be my main mode of Transportation for the next couple of months. So if you see me on the bus: please come say "Hi!"

I expect there to be a few wrinkles over the next little bit. So if you are a Transit user: please have some grace for our people as they figure the system out. But once drivers and passengers have had time to learn the new system: please let management know if you see persistent issues. Call 311 or email info@cityofgp.com. And if that doesn't solve your concerns, I'd love to hear from you: what areas of improvement do you see?