SUDBURY -- Last summer, the City of Greater Sudbury revamped its transit system.
The name was changed, routes were changed and service was increased on Sundays.
Transit officials say the changes have increased ridership, more buses are arriving on time and they are happy with the results of the overhaul and rebrand that changed the name from Sudbury Transit to GOVA.
Michelle Ferrigan is the director of transit services for GOVA.
"With the weekday mornings, we have added a few more hours based on a pilot council has approved, and we have seen an increase of 10-15 per cent in trips that we didn’t have last year. Overall, our system is increasing about 7 per cent per month and that is a really, really great, unexpected result," said Ferrigan.
One Cambrian college student, Jaad Soni, told CTV News he often encounters delays.
"Mostly on the morning buses and the afternoon, it’s very crowded and sometimes we can’t get on the bus and we have to wait for the other bus and we always become late for the classes every time," said Soni.
Transit officials say they are aware of the impacts of more riders and are working to address them.
"Frequency is definitely an issue because there is an increase in ridership. Some of the buses can be overcrowded, and so it’s uncomfortable and convenience factor goes down. So, it’s a good problem to have. It means that our system is efficient, but it’s also something we will be discussing with council," said Ferrigan.
Maurice Pilon is a regular rider and would like to see bus shelters throughout the city.
"They are handy in the obvious case of rain or snow or inclement weather and you are out in some areas. It’s nice for older people as well, we have an aging population," said Pilon.
Transit officials say they are planning another service update this September and confirm there are no plans to increase fares on GOVA, prices will be reviewed in 2021.
