(Gananoque, ON – February 5, 2023)

An online survey is now being presented to determine the need for a bus service running between Kingston and the rural areas surrounding it.

“The City of Kingston, in partnership with the Town of Gananoque, Township of South Frontenac, and Loyalist Township, is undertaking a Rural Commuter Transit Study to examine possible public transit solutions for residents, workers, students, and visitors,” said Justin Bromberg of the city in a prepared statement. “The objective of the study is to review existing services, identify local travel needs, and develop a plan to address the needs identified.”

The questions are straightforward, and the entire survey takes about eight minutes to complete online. While it is completely voluntary, it must be completed no later than February 17.

“This study will explore the feasibility and costs of bringing and operating a rural public transportation network, for commuters traveling primarily for work purposes but residing in rural Kingston and the neighbouring municipalities,” said the city on its website. “In consultation with the community, business and other municipal partners, the study will assess the feasibility of various approaches to a rural commuter transit model. Potential approaches include but are not limited to operating a fixed-route bus service, the creation of rural commuter parking lots and ride-sharing options.”

The survey and study are for the municipalities of the Town of Gananoque, the Township of South Frontenac, and Loyalist Township as well as rural Kingston.

“This rural transit service would contribute to the development of an integrated, affordable and sustainable transportation system,” said the city. “This project requires the City of Kingston and its partners to work closely together to identify transit nodes and commuter parking locations, and to effectively market an innovate pilot project to encourage commuters to use a brand-new transit service to bring them to and from new or existing workplaces. The objectives and outcomes of this project include reduced greenhouse gas emissions; less wear and tear on regional roads; stronger relationships between municipal partners, the community, and local employers; addressing workforce challenges and housing affordability issues by enabling more nearby residents to easily travel to and from Kingston; and generating economic and social benefits.”

The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. To learn more contact Justin Bromberg at jbromberg@cityofkingston.ca . To participate, go to getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/rural-transit-service/news_feed/survey .