GRT users asked for input on changing bus routes ahead of LRT launch

More public consultation meetings for the proposed new Grand River Transit (GRT) bus routes are scheduled this week,in anticipation of the ION light rail service launch plannedfor spring.

New routes are planned to run more directly between popular destinations and connect to ION stops.

Last fall, the GRT set up a series of public consultation meetings and opened a survey online for people to submit their feedback on the routes. They've nowreturned with new proposed changes to their bus routes.

Some of the proposed changes include:

• More frequent service for route 200, 7 and 73.
• Extension of route 16 to uptown Waterloo.
• Extension of route 76 to neighbourhood in Doon South.
• Two options for route 10, one saving four minutes of travel time and the other covering more areas in the neighbourhood.
• Removal of route 11, which runs from Forest Glen to Charles Street Terminal.

Outside of the proposed changes, a new route running between Sunrise Shopping Centre on Ottawa Street to Lackner Boulevard, the 205 Ottawa iExpress, will launch April 30.

Service coverage concerns

Survey respondentshave expressed they would like route 10 to remain the same rather than saving a potential four minutes in travel time, as the route currently services a residential neighbourhood.

Some people have also said they don't want route 11 to be discontinued.

"I have health issues and some days cannot walk far at all. That was part of the reason I specifically chose to live on Century Hill Drivewas that I had easy access to my stop at Path to Sandsprings especially on days that are harder for me," one person wrote.

However, JohnCicuttin, manager of transit development at Region of Waterloo,saidspecific neighbourhoods will be serviced by a number of other routes, namely routes 12, 16, 22 and the new 205 iExpress. It's a move toward building a grid network with more direct rides for users.

"We're finding the grid network can get you to many destinations much more conveniently," he said.

Cicuttinacknowledgedfor each neighbourhood, the context is different, and it's "always sometimes a trade-off" between building that grid and ensuring people don't have to walk for a long time to a transit stop.

The survey also asked for people's opinions on what should be addressed that hasn't been in the 2018 network,and several peoplenoted they would like to see service go later into the evening and weekends.

"Sometimes I have to work until after midnight and I've been stranded downtown in Kitchener trying to get home to north Waterloo," wrote one person.

Integration with LRT

GRTwill be presentingthe "preferred network" toregional council at the end of May, Cicuttinsaid. Ifapproved, changes will take place in the fall.

But it's also possiblethese changes won't all go through.

"Certainly the whole design of the 2018 network is anchored on the light rail," Cicuttin said."Because of the train delivery, if that date gets delayed, then we're looking right now to see perhaps what service can go in regardless of light rail."

He reassured the 205 Ottawa iExpress will be implemented April 30 regardless of light rail service.

For now,the online survey remains open for people who want to give their comments on the GRT changes. There are four more public information centres this month. Anyone can drop in at the following locations during public consultation times:

Wednesday, April 4
3 p.m. to7 p.m.
Region of Waterloo Administrative Headquarters
150 Frederick St., Kitchener

Thursday, April 5
3 p.m. to7 p.m.
The Shops Uptown Waterloo
75 King St. S., Waterloo

Tuesday, April 10
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Albert McCormick Community Centre, Beaupre Room
500 Parkside Dr., Waterloo

Wednesday, April 11
4 p.m. to8 p.m.
Lions Arena, Lions Hall
20 Rittenhouse Rd., Kitchener