Happy (Busing) Days Are (Soon) Here Again

As if bus riders in this city haven't been counting down the days, the City of Guelph passed around this press release today.

GUELPH, ON, September 1, 2010 – Starting Tuesday, September 7, Guelph Transit returns to 20 minute service frequency on weekdays.

Weekday service runs Monday to Friday from 5:40 a.m. until 6:20 p.m. Guelph Transit buses leave St. George’s Square on the hour, and every 20 and 40 minutes after the hour. After 6:45 p.m. these routes provide service every 30 minutes until the last bus leaves the Square at 12:15 a.m. Only buses operating out of St. George’s Square operate on a 20 minute service frequency.

Saturday and Sunday service operates on a 30 minute frequency. Saturday service starts at 5:45 a.m. and the last bus departs from the Square at 12:15 a.m. On Sunday, buses depart from the Square from 9:15 a.m. until 6:15 p.m.

As high school, college, and university students return to school this September, transit is preparing for a significant increase in ridership. In order to accommodate the increase in passengers, Guelph Transit provides additional service as high school specials and express routes. Service on these routes will resume on September 7. Even with the additional service, buses may reach capacity prior to arriving at the Square or the University Centre. When a bus reaches its standing capacity the destination sign will read “Sorry, Bus Full” and drivers will not pick up additional passengers until it is safe to do so. Guelph Transit asks passengers to help ensure everyone can board the bus by moving to the back, filling in all vacant seats and refraining from crowding the front of the bus. Priority seating at the front of the bus is for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Guelph Transit makes every effort to maintain service times during road construction and detours, but asks riders to be patient as buses may be delayed. It's recommended that riders arrive at their bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Route and schedule information can be found online at guelphtransit.ca.