CKTransit is rebranding and residents can expect some improvements to local bus services as a result.
As of Friday, Chatham-Kent's public transit services will officially now be known as Ride CK.
According to Transit and Capital Asset Management Manager Ann-Marie Millson, the rebrand is being done based on public feedback, following a successful pilot period.
“This fresh new branding complements our permanent implementation of Chatham's Route 5, the mid-day run on Inter-Urban routes A, C, and D, as well as the OnRequest Evening Service, operating past midnight, Monday to Friday,” she explained.
Also starting on Friday, InTouch Connection of Blenheim will assume operation of all Urban Conventional, Inter-Urban, and Accessible Services. InTouch Connection has been the service provider for Chatham's Urban Conventional service since 2014.
The switch to Ride CK requires no action from passengers and fare payment smart cards will continue to work as usual.
However, the change means that residents will see new vehicles hit the road thanks to funding from senior levels of government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Ontario's Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation.
"This includes 13 new ARBOC vehicles for the Chatham Conventional and Inter-Urban routes as well as two new ProMasters supporting the Chatham and Wallaceburg Accessible Service," said Millson. "A larger two-door Enviro200 will begin operation on Route 1 starting in the fall."
Bus stop signs will also be replaced beginning this summer with complete replacement expected over a two-year period. Several bus stops in Wallaceburg, Chatham, Blenheim, Ridgetown, and Dresden will see accessibility upgrades in the second half of 2021 as well.
Schedules and route maps are available by clicking here. Transit information is also available by calling 519-436-3233.
