In rural areas and small villages, most people own a car or truck. But there are bunch of reasons why some people can't drive - or don't want to. It could be a money issue, under-16, physical impairment and/or suspended license.
Every county needs some form of public transportation, that connects people to the places and services they depend on. Here are three areas we should be looking at: Local, Regional, and GTA connections:
As recently as last year, there was a convenient regional bus route that ran between Owen Sound and Orangeville, with local stops in both Markdale and Flesherton. The route connected seamlessly with the GO Bus that runs from Orangeville to the GTA.
Sadly, the route was cancelled earlier this year. This was the ONLY public transit route through Grey Highlands - and it's gone.
We need reliable regional connections in all directions. Most urgent is a north/south route that connects with Orangeville in the south and Owen Sound in the north (which would also link up with the FlixBus route that goes from Owen Sound to Barrie).
The good news is that there is already a Regional Transit Study underway, for Bruce, Dufferin, Grey & Wellington counties. But we all know that "studies" lead to "reports" which often lead to... nothing. And we've also seen that recent transit planning in Grey County completely ignored every single town in Grey Highlands.
As a councillor, one of my top priorities will be ensuring that we see real change - not just reports. And I'll push hard to make sure that any new regional transit planning includes Grey Highlands.
Extending GO- Route 37
Regional inter-county Shuttle
GO Bus Route 37 currently goes from the Brampton Train Station to Orangeville. I believe it's time for the province to consider extended the route northward!
Perhaps in phases, it could be extended first to Shelburne then further north, eventually extending all the way to Owen Sound.
This would be the most convenient way to connect Grey County with the GTA.
GO routes already extend all the way north to Barrie, west to Stratford and east to Peterborough. It's time put Grey County on the map!
