Transit Windsor sees hikes in ridership

by Zachary Balogh

Transit riders face packed buses on their commute regularly.  

According to the city of Windsor, Transit Windsor ridership rose one hundred and eighteen per cent. Which puts it at a pace to reach nine point eight million trips, ahead of where it was pre Covid.  

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens appeared on an episode of Face to Face with John Fairley and he said the issue is more people are utilizing the transit system.  

“Certainly, post-secondary students lead to more stress on the system,” said Dilkens. “And it’s important that the city knows well in advance what kind of numbers are coming here of international students who are most likely to use that service.” 

Another issue riders are facing is being passed by. This occurs when a bus is beyond capacity and is not able to stop to pick up additional passengers. 

Michel Rainone is a frequent transit rider and has been using the service for the last twelve years.  

“Change some routes, add more buses on the major college and University Routes, I mean it can get pretty bad,” said Rainone.  

In 2020 Transit Windsor implemented a master plan. According to the City of Windsor the City will invest $63 million in public transit over the next ten years and to date has purchased 24 new buses and added upgrades to the existing fleet to extend the lifespan. It will also provide 18,000 new service hours and the introduction of nine new routes that will provide more service to more places, more often.  

The plan is expected to be complete within the decade.