Video

Today, Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, joined Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara to announce $27,150 in funding for a one year pilot project for On Demand Transit in the Town of Tecumseh. The funding comes from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) and will be used for software and implementation of the pilot project.

“Investing in modern public transit systems is essential to building the healthy, sustainable communities of tomorrow,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh. “This project is a great example of our government’s commitment to working with our partners to build infrastructure that connects our communities and makes it easier for residents to access the services they need.”

“We are pleased that the Government of Canada has provided the funds to get started on this pilot project,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “We are excited to be the first municipality in Windsor-Essex to introduce on-demand service. As an alternative service delivery we have the potential to reach more people, provide enhanced service and potentially extend service into areas of the Town that were previously not serviced.”

On-demand transit service uses computer algorithms in response to service requests to develop instantaneous routing. As a result, in times and areas with lower demand for transit, stops can be served more efficiently as the bus goes directly to where and when people are waiting, instead of following a pre-planned route and schedule. The requests for service are made through an app on a smartphone and handled almost instantaneously. A phone-in service request option will also be available for those without access to a smartphone.

With this funding, the Town will move forward with securing a service provider to begin implementation.  Establishing the service is expected to take approximately 12 weeks with the pilot project to be in place for 12 months. The service will launch later this fall and there will be no impact to fares. A report to Council evaluating the pilot program will be provided after the one year project, at which time consideration could be given to it being implemented permanently. Full details on the service will be provided once it is operational.

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is a $31 million Government of Canada application-based grant program intended to support communities in adapting spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years. Improving mobility options by way of public transit system adjustments is one of the project streams being funded.

-30-