In 2019, North Grenville Accessible Transportation (NGAT) requested that the Municipality of North Grenville assume responsibility for its accessible transportation service. NGAT was a volunteer organization that had run a successful transportation service for over 20 years in North Grenville. Since January 2020, the Municipality has contracted Allegiance Transportation Services (ATS) to offer accessible transportation services in North Grenville.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all non-critical transports were suspended, and only essential transports were offered for a number of months in 2020 and 2021. Now the Municipality is ready to re-launch the service for 2022.
“North Grenville is very pleased to provide accessible transit options for mobility-impaired residents so that they can access businesses and services like most other residents in our community,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.
In order to grow the ridership for this transit service, Council has opted to reduce the fare by nearly 50 percent, from $11 to $5 each way. A monthly pass is also available for $70.
“Because the Municipality now receives some provincial funding to help offset costs to operate the service, we are able to lower the fee in order to reduce barriers to use. We will evaluate the program at the end of the year to see if the service is meeting the needs of those individuals requiring accessible transportation assistance. We also plan to explore the viability of expanding the service to include youth and other vulnerable residents,” Peckford added.
Beginning January 2, 2022, accessible, on-demand service will be available seven days a week (except holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The service can be pre-booked up to 24 hours in advance. Call 613-761-2875 (ATSK) or email ATSAccessible@gmail.com.
Anyone who meets the definition of having a disability under the Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act (AODA) and/or is 65 years of age or older may use the service. Residents must register to use the service.
“We know that the residents of North Grenville have very limited options for public and private transit. We encourage anyone with mobility impairments, and those over the age of 65 whether you require accessible transportation or not, to consider using the service. Staying connected to services, businesses and community events is key to the quality of life of all residents”, added Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan.
