Penetanguishene agrees to draft transit agreement with Midland
By Jenni Dunning Midland Mirror
PENETANGUISHENE – Although two Penetanguishene councillors argued the town cannot afford a linked transit system with Midland, the initiative is now within one vote of being approved.
Penetang- uishene council voted 7-2 on Oct. 28 in favour of a draft agreement with its neighbour. A tender will be prepared to buy a 20-passenger bus. Council will vote on a final agreement at a later date.
“It’s not a very good idea money-wise. We look at spending approximately $140,000 a year (and it will cost) between $8 to $12 … to pick up a $2 fare,” said Coun. Dan LaRose. “I find that just too much to swallow. We can’t afford that kind of money.”
Coun. Brad Saunders, however, argued there is no transit system in Ontario that breaks even.
According to a staff report, it would cost about $25,000 to run transit in November and December 2015, and an estimated $134,000 for all of 2016. The same report noted a rough total of $185,000 would be required this year when other costs are factored in, such as bus purchase and sign installations.
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