Huron Shores Area Transit Making Changes to Two Bus Stops
by Bob Montgomery
Huron Shores Area Transit has moved one bus stop and cancelled another one.
Huron Shores Transit Coordinator Susan Mills says as of September 20th their St. Joseph stop that was previously located at the intersection of Highway 21 and County Road 84, was moved to the West Huron Care Centre, home to Bluewater Rest Home and West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre. The decision to move the bus stop was in response to passenger feedback that reported walking or using a scooter on the gravel shoulder of County Road 84 to reach the Zurich bus stop in front of Bluewater’s Municipal building on Mill Road was too far, difficult and dangerous.
Mills says although the new bus stop is located on the Bluewater Rest Home's property, it's available to everyone. It's located on the turning circle and provides trouble-free manoeuvrability for the bus, and the concrete side-way makes it easier for passengers to board and exit the bus. Mills also points out the West Huron Care Centre is not only the location of the Bluewater Rest Home long-term care facility and seniors’ apartments, it's also the hub of various community programs, such as wellness initiatives, the West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre, and training programs. So now, staff, volunteers, residents, and guests have convenient, safe access to public transit right on the doorstep.
“HSAT’s mission is to enable people to get where they need to go,” said Mills. “This new bus stop location allows us to better serve passengers of all abilities and ensure that public transit is accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
The Bluewater Route 3 bus stops at the centre at 12:12 pm and 2:52 pm when heading to Zurich, Hensall, Bayfield and Goderich. The return trip from Goderich to Grand Bend stops at the complex at 2:20 pm and 5 pm.
The run that's being discontinued is the 8 pm Route 4, Trip 3 evening bus run between Grand Bend, Parkhill, Ailsa Craig and Strathroy, and that's due to low ridership numbers. These changes will take effect October 1st. Mills says that route was launched in November of 2023 in response to resident requests for extended hours in Grand Bend and Strathroy, but Trip 3 has seen limited use over the past 10 months. Despite initial interest, the ridership numbers of the evening bus run have remained low over the past 11 months. HSAT continued the evening bus run throughout the summer, assuming residents travelled more during the best weather months of the year. But by the end of August, ridership statistics indicated that was not the case. HSAT will continue to operate Route 4, Trips 1 and 2, according to its regular schedule.
For more information about routes, schedules, fares and Smart Cards, visit the Huron Shores Area Transit website. To speak with a live operator about times and schedules, call 1-888-465-0783 between 9 am and 5 pm daily.
