Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee Electronic Meeting Tuesday December 15 Th , 2020 – 9:00 A.M

Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee Electronic Meeting Tuesday December 15 th , 2020 – 9:00 a.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS i) Minutes from Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee – Dated September 22 nd , 2020. Recommended Action: THAT the minutes of the September 22 nd , 2020 Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee be adopted as presented.

3. ITEMS OF REFERENCE i) Midland Penetanguishene Transit Service - Operations Update • Midland Detour Extension; • Penetanguishene Route Changes;

ii) Penetanguishene Transit Route Ridership Update – Q3 2020

4. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION i) Transit System Map Publishing through Google Maps – Verbal Update ii) Online Transit Fare Purchasing – Verbal Update iii) Simcoe County Transit System Update: • Specialized Transit Service Update (January 28, 2020); • Transit Service Update (July 14, 2020); • Transit Service Update (September 22, 2020).

5. NEW BUSINESS

6. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES

7. NEXT MEETING • March 9, 2020 – Town of Penetanguishene, Virtual Meeting

8. ADJOURNMENT

MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE VIRTUAL MEETING Tuesday September 22, 2020 – 9:00 a.m.

MINUTES

PRESENT: Bryan Murray (Town of Penetanguishene) Carmen Gignac (Town of Penetanguishene) Natalie Murdoch (Town of Midland) Tim Leitch (Township of Tiny) Shawn Persaud (Township of Tiny) Shawn Berriault (Town of Midland) Councillor Debbie Levy (Town of Penetanguishene)

Absent Georgia Monague (Beausoleil First Nations) Councillor Carole McGinn (Town of Midland) Jim Hutchinson (Town of Penetanguishene)

Guest Cena Buttineau (Town of Midland Transit Operator)

1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 9:12 am

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes for March 10, 2020 meeting were approved as printed. Moved by Councillor Debbie Levy Seconded by Natalie Murdock

3. ITEMS OF REFERENCE i) Midland Penetanguishene Transit Service - Operations Update BM went through the process that was used since COVID-19 started, such as schedule changes and free fares. On August 24, 2020 the transit system reverted back to the regular schedule and fare structure.

The committee was informed that notices were sent out to advise riders of the changes and that purchasing could occur at several MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MINUTES locations throughout the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene.

ii) Penetanguishene Transit Route Ridership Update – July 2020 BM went through the transit ridership update as presented in the package that was distributed prior to the meeting.

iii) Midland Transit Route Ridership Update – June, July and August SB noted that the Town of Midland ridership was low and since the fare returned the number of riders is starting to increase.

4. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION i) Proposed Changes to the Penetanguishene Transit Route BM went over the proposed changes to the Penetanguishene transit route.

• Remove Jeffery/Harriet/Lucy Street Loop . Currently, the bus turns right onto Harriet Street from Robert Street East and then goes left onto Jeffery Street, left onto Lucy Street and then back onto Robert Street East. The proposed change would have the bus just continue up Robert Street East.

• Remove Gignac/John Street Loop . Currently, the bus turns left onto Gignac Drive, then right onto John Street and then back onto Poyntz Street. The proposed change would be to have the bus continue on Poyntz Street.

• Remove Chatham/Sheridan Street section . Currently, the bus turns right onto Chatham Street from Beck Boulevard and then goes left onto Sheridan and then to Fox Street. The proposed change would have the bus continue down Beck to Fox Street.

• Relocate Bus Stop at North Limits of Main Street to Bayside Medical Office . Currently the bus stop is at the end of Main Street. The proposed change would be to have the bus stop relocated to Beck Boulevard at the Bayside Medical Office.

Action: 1. BM to prepare a report to council for approval. 2. SB to have notices prepared to place on the transit buses and have them placed on Town websites and social media.

ii) Transit System Map Publishing through Google Maps – Verbal Update BM indicated that any changes to the route at this time may delay getting the google maps up and running, therefore the Penetanguishene route will remain the same at this time.

MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MINUTES

iii) Online Transit Fare Purchasing – Update BM went over the online transit fare system and how beneficial it would be for the riders. It was indicated that the Town of Midland is working with Transitfare and the Finance Department to get this software up and running.

iv) Special Events Transit Service – Verbal Update BM went through the events that the transit bus would have been used for this year. However due to Covid-19 the majority of the events have been cancelled. The next two (2) events are the Pumpkinferno and skate trail. There has been no word from Discovery Harbour if these events will occur this year.

Action: BM to advise the committee by email if the above events will happen.

v) Penetanguishene Transit Bus Purchase – Update BM advised that the new transit bus will be similar to the Town of Midland’s existing buses and that it will be up and running within the next few weeks.

vi) Simcoe County Transit System Update – Various Routes & Schedules BM went over the new routes indicating there are now five (5) routes, which are the following: • Route 1 - Midland/Penetanguishene to Barrie; • Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie; • Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie; • Route 4 – Collingwood to Wasaga Beach; • Route 5 – New Tecumseth to Bradford West Gwillimbury.

5. NEW BUSINESS BM went over the advertisement agreement that the Town of Midland and Penetanguishene have entered into with Creative Outdoors.

TL informed the committee that Tiny Township Council approved the Feasibility Study which will include Transit and Transportation which has now been tendered.

6. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES There were no questions.

MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MINUTES

7. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be December 15 th , 2020 - Virtual meeting

8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 am. Mid-Pen Transit - Detour North and South Routes (Downtown Midland) Detour EXTENDED until Spring 2021

¯ Due to the onset of winter weather and the King Street Rejuvenation Project, both

. the North (Blue) and South (Red) Midland transit route detours, as shown on this

n map, will be extended until Spring 2021. An extact date for the end of the detour

L will be communicated later. Depending on a variety of factors, these detours may become permanent or the bus may revert to its original routing down King Street. s

o The stop/shelter at King and Elizabeth Streets has been closed and a e temporary stop has been placed on Midland Avenue just north of the public parking

r lot at 348 Midland Avenue. This temporary stop also marks the route changeover

u point for the duration of the detour. A single bus covers both Midland routes and

o the route changeover point is where one route is complete (either North or South)

B and the bus begins the other route. There is no need to switch buses.

The Town of Midland apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks you for your patience during the detour.

For more information, please contact the Town of Midland offices at 705-526-4275 ext. 2217. You may also email [email protected] or visit midland.ca Easy St. Midland Public Library Elizabeth St. _

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ROUTE SCHEDULES: Monday to Friday (no 6XQGD\ or holiday service) Penetanguishene Midland South Midland North (Leaving GBG Hospital) (Leaving Midland Library) (Leaving Midland Library) 6: a.m. 6: a.m. 7:15 am 7: a.m. Notice7: a.m. 8:15 am The Town of8: Penetanguishenea.m. 8:45 woulda.m. like to advise9:15 am transit riders 9: a.m 9: a.m 10:15 am that Council10: approved a.m the proposed10:45 a.m. changes to11:15 the am Penetanguishene11: a.m. Route. The11:45 modified a.m. routes will12:15 commence pm FLAG as DOWN SERVICE 12: p.m. 12:45 p.m. 1:15 pm Numerous bus VWRSVhave been 1: p.m of January 1, 2021 on a trial 1:45basis p.m for the duration2:15 pm of the month.placed along our fixed routeV to 2: p.m 2:45 p.m 3:15 pm designate safe places to get on If there are 3:no issuesp.m. identified3:45 duringp.m. the trial 4:15period pm , the modifications4: will p.m. become permanent.4:45 p.m. 5:15 pm or off of a bus. 5: p.m. 5:45 p.m. Below are the routes affected and a map outlines the changes:However, passengers seeking ROUTE SCHEDULES: Saturday Service bus service are not required to o Jeffery/Harriet/Lucy Street Loop; be at a bus stop or shelter to o get on or off of a bus. MPT Gignac/John Street Loop; allows passengers standing in a o Chatham/Sheridan Street section; and safe location to flag down bus o the bus stop at the North limits of Main Street is toalong be its route and get on the relocated to Bayside Medical Office off of Beck bus. Boulevard Questions or concerns should be directed to Bryan Murray, Director of Public Works, by calling 705-549-7992. FARES & TRANSITFARE PASS Adults (18-64): $2.50 Cash or $1.50 SmartCard per ride Seniors (65+)/Students (7-17): $2.25 Cash or $1.25 SmartCard per ride Children 6 and under: FREE 'ULYHUVFDQQRWSURYLGHFKDQJHH[DFWIDUHRQO\ 7KHUHLVDone-time fee of 25IRUWKHSmartCardDQGWKH\FDQEHFRQWLQXDOO\ORDGHGin groups of 5 rides, WRDPD[LPXPRIULGHV SmartCard purchases are non-refundable. Reloadable SmartCards are available at: Midland Town Offices (705-526-4275) Penetanguishene Town Hall (705-549-7453) 575 Dominion Avenue, Midland 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Midland Public Library (705-526-4216) Penetanguishene Public Library (705-549-7164) 320 King Street, Midland 24 Simcoe Street, Penetanguishene Please visit Midland Library for hours of operation Please visit Penetanguishene Library for hours of operation TRANSFER INFORMATION There are THREE locations where the Penetanguishene Route and Midland Route intersect and provide )5((Transfer points: The Georgian Bay General Hospital - 1112 St Andrews Dr, Midland, ON 7KHHuronia Medical Centre%XV6KHOWHU - 240 Penetanguishene Rd, Midland, ON The Huronia Mall - 9225 &RXQW\5G93, Midland, ON How do transfers work? A transfer must be requested at the time the fare is paid. One transfer is required per persoQ Transfers are imprinted with the date and time and are valid for 0 minutes from time of receipt on any Midland Penetanguishene Transit bus going any direction. Customer Service - For more information, please contact: Town of Midland offices at 705-526-4275 ext. 2217 Town of Penetanguishene Offices at 705-549-7992 ext. 110 or 121 /DVWPRGLILHGDecember 199 6FKHGXOHVDUHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFHFKDQJHVSRVWHGRQOLQHDWPLGODQGFDDQGSHQHWDQJXLVKHQHFD

The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report

COMMITTEE: Transportation & Environmental Services Section

COMMITTEE CHAIR: Councillor Michel Mayotte

SUBJECT: Midland Penetanguishene Transit Ridership Quarterly Update REPORT: RDS-2020-28

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS • The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on a quarterly basis on the ridership of the transit system along with a Stop Performance Report and the Revenue and Cost factors. • The ridership reports will present the data on a quarterly basis rather than monthly. • This report will cover the months of July, August and September or to the end of the third quarter of 2020. • There were 691 boardings for the month of July, 983 boardings for the month of August and 1335 boardings during the month of September which is an increase in ridership of 644 from July to September. • An even ridership distribution has been observed in the months of July, August and September during the hours of 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. • Normal hours of operation and fare collection resumed on August 24, 2020.

RECOMMENDATION THAT the report be received for information.

BACKGROUND The Midland Penetanguishene Transit system commenced operation on February 1st, 2016. Since that time, the Town of Penetanguishene through its operator (the Town of Midland) has implemented the Transit Fare program on its bus service. Transit riders are provided the option to either purchase a reloadable transit fare card or pay cash when they enter the bus. Transit fare software reads both card and cash transactions and counts it as a boarding and reduces the number of rides left on the card. With this program we are able to review the number of riders boarding the transit system.

The ridership reports for the Penetanguishene Transit route will be presented on a quarterly basis as opposed to monthly moving forward.

ANALYSIS For the months of July, August and September 2020, the Transit Fare software identified the following boardings on the Penetanguishene Transit Route which includes the increases and decreases, as seen in the graph below.

The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report

The diagram below summarizes the distribution of boardings on an hourly basis. 2 Hours % Boardings % Boardings % Boardings Time Frame July/20 Aug/20 Sept/20 6:00 - 7:00 0% 2.85% 9.21% 8:00 - 9:00 14.33% 16.17% 10.41% 10:00 - 11:00 31.11% 28.28% 27.49% 12:00 - 13:00 26.19% 25.84% 23.60% 14:00 - 15:00 19.83% 17.80% 17.68% 16:00 - 17:00 8.54% 9.05% 11.09% 18:00 - 19:00 0% 0% 0.52%

The Transit Fare software is able to collect the number of boardings per stop, which is listed below. The gray highlighted area represents the transfer locations. The transfer locations in Midland include both transfers and paid boardings at these locations which accounts for the discrepancy in the monthly paid boardings and the cumulative transfer and boardings at each stop location summarized below.

The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report

The Transit Fare software also has the ability to record which stop transit riders are departing the bus. A table summarizing the transit ridership trip destinations for the months of July, August and September is provided below:

Departure Departure Boardings Boardings Boardings Departure Count Count Stop Name July/20 Aug/20 Sept/20 Count July/20 Aug/20

Church/Cambridge 7 5 15 18 31 32

Georgian Village 42 23 36 37 50 24 Poyntz & Park 2 0 1 12 11 9 Broad & Church 1 4 0 2 1 2 Gignac & John 4 15 6 10 12 20 Main & Beck 7 19 16 25 19 33 Lorne & Burke 23 10 20 13 25 10 Village Square Mall 238 224 347 369 371 338 Thompsons/Maria 2 4 19 2 14 2 Fox & Broad 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beck & Fox 0 0 1 0 0 0 Robert E & Fox 15 21 24 36 34 31 Robert & Centre 2 1 9 3 1 8 Robert/Town Hall 32 25 50 60 41 116 Waypoint 32 18 38 38 57 55 Superstore 15 35 11 48 21 59 Wendat 5 5 15 14 42 16 Medical Centre 20 1 16 1 22 2 Huronia Mall 706 292 842 468 1190 400 Mountainview Mall 20 65 14 97 37 81

A change to the Penetanguishene Transit reporting structure was brought forward by staff and includes the presentation of the transit ridership on a quarterly basis rather than monthly. The report will continue to have the monthly graph, and all tables will include the month that begins the quarter and end with the month ending the quarter.

The Midland and Penetanguishene Committee discussed the proposed changes to the monthly reports at their September 22, 2020 meeting and approved the suggested change.

The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report

The table below summarizes the operating costs and revenue for the Penetanguishene Transit System from July, August to September 2020: Penetanguishene Cost & Revenue for Penetanguishene/Midland Transit Revenue - Costs - Revenue - Renevue - Midland Revenue - Total Net Cost/ 2020 Costs - Midland Other Total Cost Grants Fares Fares OW Revenue (Revenue) January $ 22,963.27 $ - $ 22,963.27 $ - $ 1,745.75 $ 1,593.49 $ 3,339.24 $ 19,624.03 February $ 24,257.83 $ 352.67 $ 24,610.50 $ - $ 1,134.25 $ 2,322.45 $ 3,456.70 $ 21,153.80 March $ 26,635.68 $ - $ 26,635.68 $ - $ 1,001.25 $ 1,854.77 $ 2,856.02 $ 23,779.66 April $ 14,718.82 $ 154.98 $ 14,873.80 $ - $ - $ - $ 14,873.80 May $ 15,595.76 $ - $ 15,595.76 $ - $ - $ - $ 15,595.76 June $ 15,012.29 $ - $ 15,012.29 $ - $ - $ - $ 15,012.29 July $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - August $ 5,376.00 $ 5,376.00 $ 66,112.00 $ 294.00 $ 66,406.00 $ (61,030.00) September $ - $ 55,551.00 $ 690.25 $ 56,241.25 $ (56,241.25) October $ - $ - $ - November $ - $ - $ - December $ - $ - $ - Total $ 119,183.65 $ 5,883.65 $ 125,067.30 $ 121,663.00 $ 4,865.50 $ - $ 5,770.71 $ 132,299.21 $ (7,231.91)

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no budgetary implications associated with this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT There are no risk management related impacts associated with this report.

COMMUNICATION & MARKETING There are no communication and/or marketing requirements associated with this report.

RELEVANT BACKGROUND REPORT(S) N/A

COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN Heritage, Culture and Natural Environment Goal The Penetanguishene Community will celebrate and strengthen its heritage, culture and natural environment.

Strategic Direction 2.2: The Town will continue to implement the Climate Change Action Plan adopted by Council in 2019 Strategic Initiative: 2.2.3 The Town will support and encourage greater utilization of "green modes" of transportation.

The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report

Prepared by: Carmen Gignac, Public Works Administration Support in conjunction with Katie Lespérance, Accounting Clerk

Reviewed by: Bryan Murray, P.Eng., Director of Public Works Carrie Robillard, CPA, CGA, Director of Finance/Treasurer Jeff Lees, CPA, CGA, Chief Administrative Officer COW Meeting Date: December 9, 2020 Council Meeting Date: January 13, 2020

ATTACHMENTS N/A

Electronic File Location: Q:\SERVER\Public Works\Bryan\Projects\Municipal\2020 Projects\Midland Pentanguishene Transit System\Monthly Ridership Updates\Q3 Transit Rideship Update\TE Report - 2020 Qtr 3 Monthly Transit Riders.doc

To: Committee of the Whole

Agenda Section: Corporate Services Division: Engineering, Planning and Environment Department: Planning

Item Number: CCW - 2020-052

Meeting Date: January 28, 2020

Subject: County of Simcoe Transit – Specialized Ridership Growth

Recommendation

That Item CCW 2020-052, dated January 28, 2020, regarding the County of Simcoe Transit LINX Plus service, be received; and

That a one-year pilot project be established to enhance specialized transit service for residents, employers and visitors to Simcoe County; and

That staff report back to County Council on the results of the one-year pilot.

Executive Summary

Simcoe County LINX Plus transit service began operation in September 2018. The current specialized transit service operates along our four corridors:

 Route 1 - Barrie to Penetanguishene  Route 2 - Barrie to Wasaga Beach  Route 3 - Barrie to Orillia  Route 4 - Wasaga Beach to Collingwood

Generally, the service operates within approximately 400 metres of fixed transit routes, providing a combination of door-to-door and transfer to and from fixed routes. Specialized transit is a requirement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Like our conventional service, these services provide regional connections between settlement areas like Midland, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood (i.e. hubs) in the County and the adjacent cities of Barrie and Orillia.

Capacity exists in the specialized transit system, therefore staff recommends a pilot project to expand the service area so that more county residents have access to specialized transit and the system would be better utilized. The pilot project would enhance the specialized service for customers in the rural areas beyond the mandated 400 metres of the conventional fixed based routes. Operating within a few kilometres of a fixed route on rural concession roads will have limited impact on the existing service and will improve service to residents with disabilities. The pilot January 28, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-052 Page 2

service would meet the general purpose of the County’s Positive Aging Strategy. The enhanced pilot project would be on compassionate grounds whereby the Director of Planning, Economic Development and Transit, and Transit Manager or their designate(s) would pre-approve users of the enhanced specialized system; individual rides would be scheduled outside the normal service area as resources permit.

Background/Analysis/Options

Simcoe County LINX Plus transit service is a door-to-door shared-ride accessible public transit service for persons with disabilities, providing a combination of door-to-door service and transfer to and from fixed routes. Specialized transit is a requirement of the AODA, and must be offered wherever conventional bus service is provided, with the same hours and days of service as conventional transit. This requirement ensures that people who use specialized transit can travel during the same days and times as customers who use conventional transit.

The existing capacity in the specialized transit system will make it possible for persons in the rural area with disabilities to go where they need to go such as hospitals, medical appointments, work, out with friends and recreational pursuits. Conventional transit, and other forms of transportation, such as driving, are not options for everyone. Specialized transit is an essential method for people with disabilities to be fully engaged in their communities.

Simcoe County LINX Plus is not for those who find it more difficult, are reluctant or unwilling to use our fully accessible LINX conventional service. Eligibility for the service is based on the principles of fairness and equality. The LINX Plus does not discriminate based on age, income or ability. Simcoe County residents are required to complete an application with a health care professional confirming the disability. Applications are reviewed and confirmed for eligibility by the Transit Department. Once approved, the resident is added to the LINX Plus Transit User List and they can book rides seven days in advance by calling Service Simcoe.

Simcoe County has an estimated population of 465,000. It is the second largest County based on population and third largest based upon physical size in Ontario. Many residents live in rural areas of the County, without access to local or county public transportation. As specialized transit continues to grow in Simcoe County, we continue to receive applications and requests for compassionate rides outside the current service areas. The cost of other services (e.g. taxis) is beyond the reach of many residents due to cost or location.

As our population ages, more and more people will need this service. As identified in the “2018- 2023 Age-Friendly Planning Framework, Simcoe County Positive Aging Strategy: Older Adults Strengthening Our Communities”, trends show that the percentage of Simcoe County’s residents aged 55 and over could jump from the current 31% of the population to 41% by 2041. Many of these older adults reside within the rural areas of our County. As a result of these statistics and the priorities established in the County’s Age-Friendly Strategy, public transit is a priority. Therefore, this pilot project will support our aging rural population within the County.

Next Steps

It is recommended that a one-year pilot project be established that will enhance specialized service for customers in rural areas beyond the 400 metres of the conventional fixed based routes on compassionate grounds. Operating a few kilometers beyond the fixed conventional routes on rural

January 28, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-052 Page 3

concession roads would be reasonable in timing. This pilot would improve service to residents with disabilities and would have minimal impact on operations. The Director of Planning, Economic Development and Transit, and Transit Manager or their designate(s) would pre-approve users of the enhanced specialized system; individual rides would be scheduled outside the normal service area as resources permit.

Further guiding principles used to develop this pilot include:

 Provide more mobility options to all residents of the County including opportunities to make more local trips within the County;  Make use of our existing specialized transit resources and seek partnerships with other regions and municipalities within Simcoe County to improve service;  Allow flexibility to coordinate initiatives with partnering transit agencies within and outside County borders to encourage the development of synergies between services and provide ease of use to residents; and,  Build on the service incrementally and monitor response in demand before expanding the program further.

Financial and Resource Implications

Transit expenditures are accounted for in the 2020 budget. Therefore there are no significant financial implications associated with this Item.

Relationship to Corporate Strategic Plan

Growth Related Service Delivery: Create and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to support communities through the delivery of sustainable services.

Reference Documents

 Item CCW18-054 - (February 13, 2018) County of Simcoe Transit Implementation Project – Status Update  Item CCW18-557 – (November 13, 2018) County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update  Item CCW19-070 – (February 12, 2019) 2018/2019 Provincial Gas Tax Agreement  Item CCW19-375 – (November 12, 2019) County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update

Prepared By: Dennis Childs, Transit Manager Shaw Dungate, Operations Supervisor Approvals: Date David Parks, Director, Planning, Development & Transit January 15, 2020 Debbie Korolnek, General Manager, Engineering, January 15, 2020 Planning & Environment Trevor Wilcox, General Manager, Corporate Performance January 20, 2020 Mark Aitken, Chief Administrative Officer January 21, 2020

To: Committee of the Whole

Agenda Section: Corporate Services Division: Engineering, Planning and Environment Department: Transit

Item Number: CCW - 2020-238

Meeting Date: July 14, 2020

Subject: County of Simcoe Transit – Transit Update

Recommendation

That Item CCW 2020-238, dated July 14, 2020, regarding the County of Simcoe Transit LINX, be received.

Executive Summary

This item provides an update on the Simcoe County Linx and Linx Plus Transit service before COVID-19, adaptations made during the pandemic, and the outlook moving forward.

Simcoe County LINX transit service began operation in September 2018. The current conventional transit service operates along four corridors: • Route 1 – Barrie to Midland /Penetanguishene • Route 2 – Barrie to Wasaga Beach • Route 3 – Barrie – Oro-Medonte – Orillia • Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood

Route 5, Alliston to Bradford will begin on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 with free service for the first month. Fare service will commence on Route 5 in September 2020. Route 6 Penetanguishene/ Midland – Tay – Severn – Oro-Medonte – Orillia will have a later start date of early fall due to the delay of bus deliveries as a result of COVID-19.

Transit service levels have been reduced as ridership has decreased due to COVID –19. Transit staff will continue to monitor COVID-19 ridership levels and plan for reintroduction of service hours as required.

Based on average ridership numbers and average fares seen prior to March 23 it is estimated that approximately $133K in fare revenues have been foregone (waived) between March 23 and the end of June.

Transit service reductions began in April and savings are estimated to total approximately $214K. During this period, fuel consumption was reduced by 44,246 litres. July 14, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-238 Page 2

Background/Analysis/Options

Conventional Rider Performance

Simcoe County LINX entered Phase 2 of the implementation plan on August 6, 2019, successfully launching Route 2 - Wasaga Beach, Stayner, Angus and Barrie, Route 3 - Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Barrie, and assumed Route 4 - Wasaga Beach to Collingwood.

The LINX Transit system observed strong ridership performance for the remainder of 2019 as it immediately gained traction within the new communities that it serves. The Linx ridership continued to grow into 2020 with 14,957 rides in January, which was 85% more than budget, and February with 13,505 trips was 87% over budgeted figures.

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0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2019 2020

COVID-19 pandemic

Like many other transit lines in Ontario, Simcoe County LINX started to observe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during March.

March closed the month off with 11,644 rides, reflecting a reduction by 22% when benchmarked against January’s metrics. April experienced the most significant drop to date, with 6,125 rides which was a reduction of 59%. May respectively noted a small uptake with 6,468 trips which was still a decrease of 56% but a 3% increase over April’s ridership.

Though May 2020 ridership was approximately down 56% compared to pre-pandemic figures, the LINX system still boasts a cumulative year-to-date (YTD) success of 52,697 rides, which is 37% above the budgeted targets of 38,406 riders.

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Transit Response to COVID-19 pandemic

Over the past four months, Simcoe County has responded to the pandemics’ immediate health, safety and service impacts. The actions taken have ensured the continuance of an essential and reliable transportation option within the County for workers and residents who require these services.

March 13, 2020 Communications campaign via social media, onboard postings, radio and bus signage, communicating Infection Control Reminders, and encouraging “Essential Travel Only” and physical distancing.

March 23, 2020 Fares collection was suspended and rear-door boarding was implemented to ensure the physical distancing of passengers for the bus operator’s safety.

Access to the front of the bus became restricted to only bus operators and customers with disabilities requiring accessibility features.

Daily cleaning was implemented for all high-touch surfaces within the customer and operator compartments of the bus.

Procurement of PPE and supplies, such as non-medical masks, surface cleaners, hand sanitizer, gloves, face shields/goggles and other protective equipment issued to the contractor and transit employees.

March 31, 2020 LINX Plus customer health screening process implemented at the time of booking to eliminate symptomatic exposure to staff.

April 6, 2020 Sourced and implemented secured portable washrooms and or facilities on all routes to ensure a safe environment for staff.

April 13, 2020 Conventional Transit Service change included a 17% reduction in service hours in response to a decrease in ridership. Services eliminated were based on trips experiencing limited to no passenger use.

LINX Plus Service enhanced to provide prearranged compassionate medical transportation for all Simcoe Residents from their residence to hospital appointments or treatment.

LINX Plus limited capacity to one passenger per trip and attendant (if required) for essential travel.

LINX Plus implemented compassionate rides to non-registered users with disabilities during the COVID-19 emergency.

May 11, 2020 Further conventional transit service changes. Suspended an additional - 17% in hours, amounting to an overall 34% reduction in transit services.

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Continued marketing campaigns encouraging social distancing and respiratory etiquette across social media platforms and onboard postings.

May 21, 2020 Implementation of seat closures to encourage physical distancing and availability of alcohol-based sanitization stations at the entrance and exit of the vehicle, as suggested in the MTO Transit guidelines.

COVID-19 pandemic fare revenue loss

Based on average ridership numbers and average fares seen prior to March 23 it is estimated that approximately $133K in fare revenues have been foregone (waived) between March 23 and the end of June.

Transit began service hour cuts in April, which continued to the end of July and will provide a savings of approximately $214K. During this period, LINX transit fuel consumption was reduced by 44,246 litres. Re-instatement of Fare Collection

As of Thursday, July 2, LINX Transit along with other municipalities with be reintroducing fares. Face coverings, or non-surgical masks are highly recommended for customers. LINX operators will be wearing appropriate safety gear to ensure the safety of customers.

LINX Transit will be following the newly introduced Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Public Transit Safety Guidelines to protect our communities. The guidelines will reduce the risk to passengers and employees by restricting opportunities for community transmission, this will include requiring all passengers and drivers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings. While masks or face coverings will be highly recommended, we understand there are circumstances where children and people with disabilities or other medical conditions will be unable to wear a mask.

In keeping with the MTO guidelines, the County is requesting that ALL customers continue to follow existing protocols, including;

• Maintaining physical distancing between people whenever possible; • Removing all personal belongings and waste upon departure; and • Sneezing into their elbow, using hand sanitizer and washing hands properly

Other measures that the Simcoe County LINX has taken;

• Issued PPE and safety equipment such as masks, goggles/ face shields, gloves and sanitization and cleaning products to protect the operator and passengers • A supply of non-medical masks will be onboard for customers in adverse situations • Eliminated collection and issuance of bus transfer tickets • Encourage the use of the LINX tap fare card • Communication materials onboard that request passengers exit the bus using the rear doors • Transit staff investigating the feasibility of driver compartment partitions in the form of shields/ barriers

July 14, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-238 Page 5

Phase 3- Route Planning & Fleet Acquisition

While adapting to the changing environment of the COVID-19 pandemic, transit staff have continued to make preparations for the launch of Route 5 – Alliston to Bradford and Route 6 – Midland/ Penetanguishene to Orillia, launching on August 4th, 2020.

As a result of the pandemic affecting supply chains and staffing at manufacturing facilities, LINX transit has suffered delivery delays of our buses from the manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited. The Alexander Dennis Limited manufacturing facility is located in Nappanee, Indiana, United States.

The current projected delivery schedule notes August 26th, 2020, as the date when Simcoe County is expected to receive the last of the 10 E200 buses on order. The fleet will then be scheduled for technology add-ins and operator training for quality control purposes.

LINX Transit will require the full complement of planned vehicles prior to the full implementation of Phase 3, found in the County of Simcoe Transit Feasibility and Implementation Plan.

Next Steps

• Route 5 – Alliston to Bradford will begin on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 • Route 6 – Midland/Penetanguishene to Orillia has a proposed start-date early fall, once all the buses are received and equipped for service • Transit staff will continue to monitor ridership levels and plan for reintroduction of service hours as Ontario moves into Stage 2 and 3 a Framework for Reopening our Province

Financial and Resource Implications

The financial implications associated with reduced fares and ridership due to COVID-19 are estimated to be approximately $133K between March 23 and the end of June.

Transit service changes that began in April, and will continue to the end of July yield an approximate savings of $214K of which fuel consumption is reduced by 44,246 litres. The remaining amount is related to the contracted service.

Relationship to Corporate Strategic Plan

Growth Related Service Delivery: Create and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to support communities through the delivery of sustainable services.

Reference Documents

• Item CCW18-557 – (November 13, 2018) County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update • Item CCW19-070 – (February 12, 2019) 2018/2019 Provincial Gas Tax Agreement • Item CCW19-375 – (November 12, 2019) County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update

Prepared By: Dennis Childs, Transit Manager

Approvals: Date David Parks, Director, Planning, Development & Tourism June 29, 2020

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Debbie Korolnek, General Manager, Engineering, June 29, 2020 Planning & Environment Trevor Wilcox, General Manager, Corporate Performance July 7, 2020 Mark Aitken, Chief Administrative Officer July 7, 2020

To: Committee of the Whole

Agenda Section: Corporate Services Division: Engineering, Planning and Environment Department: Transit

Item Number: CCW - 2020-290

Meeting Date: September 22, 2020

Subject: County of Simcoe LINX Transit update

Recommendation

That Item CCW 2020–290, dated September 22, 2020, regarding the County of Simcoe LINX Transit, be received.

Executive Summary

This item provides an update on the Simcoe County LINX and LINX Plus Transit services and adaptations made during the pandemic as well as the outlook moving forward. It also provides recent information about provincial funding and forthcoming transit initiatives as part of the Safe Restart Agreement with the Federal Government.

Route 5 – Alliston to Bradford began on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, with free service for the first month. Fare service commenced on September 8, 2020.

Route 6 – Midland – Tay – Severn – Oro-Medonte – Orillia, will have a later start date due to the delay of bus deliveries as a result of COVID-19.

Transit service levels have been reduced as ridership has decreased due to COVID-19. Transit staff have continued to monitor COVID-19 ridership levels and will gradually reintroduce some of the service hours as required. The increase in service will be in response to the province moving the County of Simcoe into phase 3 of pandemic permissions and the return of students to the classroom. An increase in service did occur effective September 8, 2020.

The Province announced a two phased approach to financially help Ontario transit systems as part of the Safe Restart Agreement. Phase 1 of the agreement provides additional funding to help cope with some of the revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. The province also took the occasion to outline further funding opportunities as part of phase 2 of the funding.

September 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-290 Page 2

Background/Analysis/Options

Simcoe County LINX entered Phase 3 of the Transit Implementation Plan in August 2020 by successfully launching Route 5. Bradford - Bondhead - Beeton - Alliston. Ridership has been in line with other routes during the start up period.

Phase 3 will continue later in the fall with the launching of Route 6 – Midland – Tay – Severn – Oro-Medonte – Orillia. The pandemic has caused delays affecting supply chains and staffing at manufacturing facilities in the transportation industry. As a result of these delays LINX transit is experiencing delivery delays of our buses from the manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited. The Alexander Dennis Limited manufacturing facility is in Nappanee, Indiana, United States.

As indicated in the previous report CCW- 238 LINX Transit system observed strong ridership performance for the remainder of 2019 as it immediately gained traction within the new communities that it serves. The LINX ridership continued to grow into 2020 with 14,957 rides in January, which was 85% more than targeted and February with 13,505 trips which was 87% over budgeted figures.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Like many other transit systems in Ontario, Simcoe County LINX started to observe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during the month of March.

March closed off the month with 11,644 rides, reflecting a reduction of 22% when benchmarked against January’s metrics. April experienced the most significant drop to date, with 6,125 rides which was a reduction of 59%. May respectively noted a small uptake with 6,468 trips which was still a decrease of 56% but an increase over April’s ridership by 3%. June’s figures climbed to 8,797 riders, a 36% increase over May. Though July 2020 ridership was approximately down 46% compared to pre-pandemic figures with 8,046 trips.

August 2020 ridership was 8,878 which includes the introduction of Route 5 Bradford – Bond Head – Beeton – Alliston. The LINX system still boasts a cumulative year-to-date (YTD) success of 76,659 rides, which is 20% above the budgeted targets of 63,854 rides. The good news is that even with the challenges of COVID-19, LINX transit continues to be well received and is successful.

Over the past four months, Simcoe County has responded to the pandemic’s immediate health, safety and service impacts. The actions taken have ensured the continuance of a safe, essential and reliable transportation option within the County for workers and residents who require transportation.

Re-instatement of Fare Collection

On July 2, 2020 LINX Transit, along with other municipalities in Ontario, re-established full fare collection.

Public Safety

LINX Transit has been following the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Public Transit Safety Guidelines to protect our communities. The guidelines will reduce the risk to passengers and employees by restricting opportunities for community transmission, this will include requiring all

September 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-290 Page 3

passengers and drivers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings. While masks or face coverings will be highly recommended, we understand there are circumstances where children and people with disabilities or other medical conditions will be unable to wear a mask. It has been very encouraging to see almost 100% compliance of our customers wearing face coverings.

Provincial Funding Grants

In June of 2020 the Province of Ontario provided the County of Simcoe $37,000 to help with the increased cleaning protocols required for all our buses.

On July 27, 2020, as part of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, the Ontario government announced that it had secured funding for municipal transit systems to help deal with financial pressures related to COVID-19. The funding is to help maintain transit services and protect vulnerable people as the province safely and gradually reopens.

Funding will be allocated in two phases: In Phase 1, money will be allocated to municipalities with transit systems to help provide immediate relief from the financial pressures of COVID-19. In Phase 2, additional funding will be available for municipalities with transit systems to address the ongoing financial pressures of COVID-19 until the end of the provincial fiscal year, or March 31, 2021. A two-phased approach will provide the flexibility to address actual municipal transit pressures, including any impacts of a potential second wave of COVID-19.

Phase 1 is immediate funding of which the County will receive $52,360. Phase 1 is for expenses incurred from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. The County is accountable for using this funding for the purpose of addressing the COVID-19 municipal transit pressures. The County Treasurer was required to sign an acknowledgement agreement for the Phase 1 funds, which has occurred. The County is required to report back to the province by October 30, 2020 with details on the use of the Phase 1 funds and a forecast of eligible expenditures to March 31, 2021.

To be considered for Phase 2 funding, municipalities will be required to submit the aforenoted reports. Phase 2 funding will consider the reported actual impacts to determine the funding allocations and will be governed by a transfer payment agreement (TPA).

MTO intends to build specific requirements into the Phase 2 agreements to achieve important transit objectives to promote ridership growth and transit sustainability. These include:

• Ensuring and promoting the safety of public transit systems through the coordinated procurement of new safety materials;

• Requiring that the transit systems drive service sustainability through innovation in route planning and technology, as well as reviewing municipal transit jurisdictions where there are upper and lower-tier systems operating in the same areas; and

• Requiring that the GTHA municipalities work with the province to make real progress on fare and service integration to provide rider benefits.

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Through Phase 2, the County will be required to:

• Engage in consolidated procurement opportunities leveraging Metrolinx and other provincial procurement tools. (The County currently participates in this program)

• Review the lowest performing bus routes and consider whether they may be better serviced by microtransit.

• Work with the Province and Metrolinx where appropriate to determine the feasibility of implementing microtransit options on viable routes.

• Participate in discussions with the Province on advancing fare and service integration (GTHA & select municipalities).

• Participate in discussions with the Province to optimize transit through new possible governance structures (GTHA & select municipalities)

County Transit staff will update County Council on Phase 2 initiatives as it proceeds.

Next Steps

• Route 6 – Midland/Penetanguishene to Orillia has a proposed start-date of early fall, once all the buses are received and equipped for service. • Transit staff will continue to monitor ridership levels and plan for reintroduction of service hours as Ontario moves further into Phase 3: A Framework for Reopening our Province. • Participate as required in the Phase 2 Safe Restart Agreement program as required.

Financial and Resource Implications

There are financial implications associated with reduced fares and ridership due to COVID-19 on this item.

Relationship to Corporate Strategic Plan

Growth Related Service Delivery: Create and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to support communities through the delivery of sustainable services.

Reference Documents

Attachments

There are no attachments to this Item.

Prepared By: Dennis Childs, Transit Manger

September 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2020-290 Page 5

Approvals: Date David Parks, Director, Planning, Development & Tourism September 3, 2020 Debbie Korolnek, General Manager, Engineering, September 3, 2020 Planning & Environment Trevor Wilcox, General Manager, Corporate Performance September 15, 2020 Mark Aitken, Chief Administrative Officer September 16, 2020