It has recently come to my attention that Guelph Transit is planning on reducing the frequency of service during peak hours. Considering the circumstances, this seems counter-productive. Communication about the service alterations has not been forthcoming from the City, and I would like to give you this opportunity to clarify Guelph Transit’s position on the subject and to counter some of the arguments against its chosen path.
To begin, I would like to explain some of the ways in which I believe this approach will worsen Guelph Transit. The foremost concern, aside from reduced useability (which I trust you comprehend) is that this decision will result in reduced ridership. Cornwall Transit saw this result stem from a similar decision. Those ten minutes are crucial in determining whether Transit is something you can depend on, or something you avoid. It will also greatly reduce the perception of simplicity in the system, forcing passengers to rely on schedules and NextBus instead of simply remembering which part of the hour the bus will arrive at. Compounding this concern will be the fact that transit frequency will differ throughout the day, adding to the confusion further. Also, since the 52 will be operating on a 15 minute headway, this will create confusing and uneven transfers at St. Georges Square.
The reduced ridership will increase congestion, diminish air quality, and undermine progress toward stated goals. The resulting drop in revenue will increase Guelph Transit’s dependence on tax subsidies.
Overcrowding could be another consequence of reduced frequencies in peak times. The report to council states explicitly that Guelph Transit has experienced increases in customer demand. This would traditionally be taken as a cue to increasing the frequency of transit services, being proof that 15 or 20 minute frequencies would be feasible.
On that note, I would like to elaborate on the feasibility of increased service. The stars have aligned, so to speak and I cannot think of a better time to push for a 15 or 20 minute headway. Here are some of the reasons why:
-The aforementioned increase in customer demand -The forthcoming increase in customer demand. Greater Toronto is slated to need 40,000 more university spaces within 15 years, and Guelph will be sure to capture some of that. As well, Places To Grow forecasts the city of Guelph to grow considerably in the next 25 years. To avoid costly road infrastructure improvements, we need considerable capital investment in modes other than the automobile.
-Provincial goals, set out in Places to Grow, to have 40% of all new city growth taking place within its current boundaries -A city council & political climate that is very favourable to Smart Growth and densification.
-A Provincial Liberal party wishing to prove its commitment to transit in anticipation of October’s election
Now is the time for increased service. Or, to be more specific, increased service within the Perimeter. There is no reason why the same level of service should be maintained on both sides of the 70 when it results in overcrowding on one end and empty buses on another.
Greater transit frequency and greater population density go hand in hand. If we are using transit to further our development goals, we need to realize that the periphery simply doesn’t have the walkability able to sustain higher densities. We need to focus on our strengths.
Arranging Guelph Transit in a system where there are a series of hubs along the perimeter would be a perfect setup for this new reality. The framework is already there, we need to put it into practice. Buses at 40 minute frequency would roam the subdivisions and industrial parks, reaching a hub like the West End Community Centre or the Stone Rd Mall, where a passenger could either transfer onto the 70 or onto a route on 20 minute intervals that would take them into the heart of the city. The 51A already operates in this fashion.
In hopes of bringing greater awareness of this decision and the potential impacts, I have started a Facebook group, reachable here:
http://uoguelph.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4152603953
As of Wednesday night, there are 140 members who truly care about the fate of their transit system.
There was also an article written on GTA urban affairs blog Spacing
Wire: http://spacing.ca/wire/?p=2169I look forward to hearing your side of the issue, and wish to open the lines of dialogue between us. Guelph is a beautiful town, and its residents are proud of many things. It is only with your help that we can be proud of a healthy transit system that is a national leader in ridership and sustainability.