Huron Shores Transit Balances Affordability and Sustainability

by Bob Montgomery

Huron Shores Area Transit will be increasing their prices next month in an effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.

Transit Coordinator Susan Mills says on September 1, Huron Shores Area Transit will raise its Monthly Pass price from $80 to $100 as the first part of a two-stage pricing increase that will see the cost increase to $120 on January 1, 2025.

The decision for the price increase is based on ensuring sustainability, and to better align the discount level with that recommended in the Feasibility Study. Mills says Huron Shores Area Transit's Monthly Pass will still be the most economical of all its neighbouring small rural transit systems. Fare pricing is an integral and carefully balanced exercise for transit systems. It is important to find the right balance between cost and providing a service for those without other means of transportation, recognizing that for some people, a private vehicle is not an option.

Mills says even at $120, Huron Shores Area Transit ’s Monthly Pass is the most economical among nine other small rural transit systems where passes average $148 a month. Huron Shores Area Transit Monthly Pass holders will still enjoy a significant discount of at least 25% off regular single fares. A passenger need only travel two long-distance return trips per week (i.e. $20 per return trip two times per week for four weeks = $160) to make the pass the most cost-effective fare option. For passengers who only travel locally, the same discount level occurs at four return trips per week.

Mills adds Huron Shores Area Transit provides more service than many other small rural transit systems. It is the only one to provide daily service, including weekends, statutory and civic holidays, and travels more distance. In response to ridership demand, HSAT developed a pre-book-and-pay option for its Summer Beach Bus and provides an Employee Shuttle service to accommodate seasonal employees travelling into the area for work at local restaurants, hotels, and retailers.

For more information about routes, schedules, fares and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca. To speak with a live operator about times and schedules, call 1-888-465-0783 between 9 am and 5 pm daily.