New Belleville bus routes an unnecessary detour, opponents say

There's a new bus route system in Belleville, Ont., but not all residents are on board with the changes.

Belleville Transit implemented the overhauled system on May 6, but reductions to some routes have prompted an online petition urging the city to reconsider.

The changes are part of the city's 2023 transit master plan and are aimed in part at improving ridership, which dropped more than 50 per cent between 2019 and 2021.

The updates include eight new bus routes to replace existing ones, some of which have been in place for several decades. They include the removal of one route along Bridge Streetbetween Church Streetand Herchimer Avenue, as well as the formerroute No. 31 in the city's north end.

"The changes to the routes are so significant that people in low-income communities aren't able to access the buses anymore, said Loyalist College student Cameron Wilson, who launched the petition.

"The bus stops are not accessible for people who have, for example, wheelchairs, walkers or canes," he told CBC's Ontario Morninglast week.

Ontario Morning7:17Belleville changes bus routes leaving some residents feeling like they missed the bus

Some Belleville residents are unhappy about transit changes made by the city that mean longer walks to the bus stop. Host Molly Thomas speaks with Cameron Wilson, city resident and loyalist college student who student, who started a petition against the changes gaining interest online.

Coun. Kathryn Brown, who chairs Belleville's Transit Advisory Committee, told Ontario Morning the overhaul isaimed at improving route timesso travellers can cross the city's core in under 30 minutes.

Brown said the response to the new changes has been overwhelmingly positive anddoesn't expect the new routes to hinder accessibility.

"Belleville has mixed residential areas throughout our city," she said. "I think it's a bit of a disservice to the residents who are working hard for their homes to suggest that they're low-income."

Income isn't the only factor opponents of the new routes say is a barrier to access. Opponents of the change say the additionaldistance transit users have towalk to reach their bus stops makes those stopsinaccessible.

"I speak on behalf of the disabled who are among those who will be affected by the change," wrote Joe Culp, who signed the online petition."

"Many ... can'twalk a mile in their shoes to get a bus."

Ontario Morning8:41Belleville city councillor responds to pushback on transit changes

Chair of Transit Operations Advisory Committee and Councillor, Katheryn Brown speaks with host Molly Thomson about a petition regarding recent changes to transit routes in that city.

Brown said Belleville's Mobility Bus service is available as an alternative to the traditional bus routes. The fare is the same and provides door-to-door transportation for eligible passengers.

Brown added the city has done significant public consultations and continues to welcome public feedback. The full list of new routes is available on the city's website.