More routes for Simcoe County’s LINX transit service

Warden George Cornell

News release from Simcoe County

Starting August 6, 2019, the County is launching two new LINX Transit Service routes and assuming the operations of an existing connecting link between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. The new routes complement the successful launch of Route 1, Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie, which launched in 2018 and has seen ridership increase on a monthly basis.

Starting August 6, the new routes will include:

Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie (south) with stops in Clearview and Essa
Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie (north) with stops in Oro-Medonte
Route 4 – Assuming the existing Collingwood to Wasaga Beach Link with no alternations to current operations
Ridership on the three new routes (not applicable to Route 1) is free from August 6 to September 2, with regular fare rates starting after Labour Day.

The County also offers an accessible door to door LINX+ (plus) transit service for individuals who have a disability which prevents them from being able to use LINX’s regular, fixed route transit service. LINX+ provides service to the communities along Routes 1-4 only. Residents are asked to complete a registration form to access the service by visiting linx.simcoe.ca or by calling 1-800-263-3199. LINX+ service will be available for Routes 2-4 beginning Tuesday, September 3.

In 2017, as part of the County’s Transit Implementation Plan, County Council approved a 5-year, $5 million plan to create a regional transit service. The continued planned roll out of the LINX service includes the launch of Route 5, connecting Alliston to Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Route 6, from Midland to Orillia, by the end of 2020.

“This is another tremendous milestone for the County, our communities and residents,” said Warden George Cornell. “Route 1 has been a huge success, with ridership exceeding expectations by 25 per cent on a monthly basis. With such a large region, growing population, and an increasing number of seniors, students and workers seeking affordable and reliable transportation, we’re confident our new routes will address an important need, while connecting citizens to key service, education and labour hubs across the region.”

Visit linx.simcoe.ca to learn more about the LINX and LINX+ service.

Quick Facts:

Fares:
Fares will operate on a zone system based on distance travelled – fares for Route 1, 2 and 3 range from $2, $4 and $6 depending on zones travelled. Exact cash fares only will be accepted on the bus. The County offers a LINX reloadable card that users can purchase for convenient access to the LINX.

Fares for Route 4 (Collingwood to Wasaga Beach) will be $2.
For sales locations and information, please visit linx.simcoe.ca.

Hours of Operation:

Route 1 (Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie) LINX service will operate Monday to Friday with the first bus starting at 6 a.m. and the last drop off occurring at 7:40 p.m. Route 1 does not operate on weekends.

Route 2 (Wasaga Beach to Barrie) LINX service will operate Monday to Friday with the first bus starting at 5:30 a.m. and the last drop off occurring at 7:25 p.m. Route 2 does not operate on weekends.

Route 3 (Orillia to Barrie) LINX service will operate Monday to Friday with the first bus starting at 5:45 a.m. and the last drop off occurring at 7:07 p.m. Route 3 does not operator on weekends.

Route 4 (Collingwood to Wasaga Beach) will operate Monday to Saturday with the first bus starting at 6 a.m. and the last drop off occurring at 9:00 p.m. Sunday and Holiday service beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the last drop off occurring at 9:00 p.m.

Locating Your Bus:
Alerts and real-time bus tracking will be available on linx.simcoe.ca. The County has also partnered with an existing app company to link real-time bus and route information through the popular app. Residents are encouraged to download the “Transit app” on their Apple and Android devices.

Bus Details:
LINX conventional buses are equipped with features to make them fully accessible: low floor, pre-boarding announcements, digital sign and audio announcements for next stop information, can accommodate two wheelchair/scooter customers at the same time. The bus also has a kneeling feature which allows the bus to be lowered, passenger signal stop request, high colour contrast grab bars and stanchions, low glare, and slip floor covering and LED lighting. The buses are equipped with GPS based vehicle location systems, automated stop announcements, smart card fare systems and CCTV cameras.

LINX+ buses are low floor, oversized entrance doors to allow for two larger-size wheelchairs and scooters at the same time. Buses are air-conditioned with entrance and ramp lighting, and anti-slip floor covering.

Environment:
LINX conventional buses are equipped with low emission engines with current clean diesel technology.

Bus Operation:
The County continues to work with First Canada ULC to operate and maintain LINX buses. First Canada has transit operating agreements across Canada and also provides school bus transportation services.