T3 Transit Routes Improvement to Launch Aug. 27
The City of Charlottetown is pleased to announce that several exciting route improvements to T3 Transit services will begin on
Tuesday, Aug. 27.
“These route improvements are an important step towards simplifying our transit network map and improving clarity for existing commuters of all ages and first-time transit riders,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “For people who don’t drive, whether because of age, physical or financial limitations or wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, the bus provides an important sense of independence and a connection to community. We’re very excited to strengthen that connection with these upgrades.”
Earlier this year, Council received advice from an external consultant about how transit routes and schedules should continue to evolve over the next 10 years. These changes are the first step from those recommendations.
The T3 Transit service changes will consist of the following:
• Route 1 will run four additional times during weekday afternoon peak hours to satisfy demand and alleviate overcrowding.
• Routes 2, 3 and 23 will now run every hour on Saturdays. This closes the three two-hour gaps in the Saturday schedule, making roundtrips more convenient. The City had received feedback that this is important for youth participation in weekend sports, and for adults using the bus to run errands or to travel to weekend employment.
• Routes 2, 3, 2A, 3A and 23 are being re-numbered and consolidated for greater clarity and five additional peak-hour runs will be added each weekday:
- The service to North River Road and West Royalty will now be known as Route 2 in both directions, and the service to St Peters Road and Sherwood will now be known as Route 3 in both directions. Going forward, riders who have been taking Route 2 to work and Route 3 to return home, or vice-versa, will now take the same route number inbound and outbound. Existing route 2 & 3 passengers will not experience any changes to their daily commute aside from the bus numbering.
- Routes 2A and 3A are being consolidated into Route 23 to serve Kensington Road, Sherwood and Hillsborough Park, both inbound and outbound.
- The additional services will ensure that Routes 2, 3, and 23 operate at 30-minute frequency during the morning and evening peaks, and at 60-minute frequency for remainder of the weekday.
“We appreciate all the effort of the T3 Transit operational team – managers, drivers, admins and maintenance staff – to roll out these changes,” said Councillor Terry Bernard, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee. “With the large increase in riders we’ve seen using public transit in recent years, we believe this is a prudent change to improve the transit experience, while also cutting back on carbon emissions by having fewer vehicles on the road.”
Recent technology upgrades also mean that riders can now see live bus tracking through Google or Apple Maps, the Transit app, or on the T3 Transit website. Unavoidable delays due to the Eastern Gateway construction are currently affecting Stratford routes during afternoon peak times. Riders can see the extent of delays by using these digital apps.
Visit
t3transit.ca to view the new maps and schedules.