Northumberland County is suspending its Commuter Connect shuttle bus pilot service.
The service connecting Northumberland residents to the Oshawa GO Station will end August 2.
The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot service, which began in September 2022.
Northumberland Warden Brian Ostrander says due to low ridership numbers and the cost to subsidize the service, staff have determined the operation will not be sustainable.
The Northumberland Line – connecting residents between Campbellford, Brighton, Colborne, and Cobourg – was discontinued in late 2023 due to low ridership interest and costs associated with operation.
At that time, County Council extended the timelines for evaluation of the more active line – Durham Line – to determine if a reduced service would be more financially sustainable.
Council approved an extension of funding until 2026, pending a review in June to confirm financial feasibility.
Based on the latest review, which noted continued low ridership and a high cost to subsidize the service, it was determined that the operation was no longer sustainable.
Still, staff say the the pilot project generated insights that will help inform future potential transportation programs in Northumberland County.
“We appreciate the support and feedback from all our riders during this pilot project,” states Director of Strategic Initiatives Dan Borowec. “Ridership participation has been invaluable in understanding local transportation needs, and we will continue to investigate alternative transportation options in Northumberland County for residents, workers, and employers.”
Riders impacted by the conclusion of the Commuter Connect pilot program can redeem any unused rider credits for a full refund by visiting commuterconnect.ca. Any unused rider credits will be automatically refunded after August 2, 2024.
