On March 12, 2024 I asked questions about Public Transit to the North Shore of PEI. The North Shore Summer Shuttle has been offered for a number of years, but with extended shoulder seasons has not been early enough, and does not run late enough. In the winter only two bus runs a day happen – at 7:00am, and a return arriving at 5:30pm. A mid-day bus run needs to be added to make the public transit bus service feasible to use all year. Also I asked if any other innovative transportation initiatives are underway.
Expanding access and use of public transit is key to meeting our climate commitments, connecting communities and getting workers to work – especially for our seniors, our youth and our most vulnerable.
For several years, the North Shore Summer Shuttle has operated connecting North Shore communities with Summerside and Charlottetown, growing by 46% last year over 2022’s transit volume.
The Central Coastal Tourism Partnership and tourism operators are working hard to extend the tourism season. They need our support. Unfortunately, the shuttle service has been starting too late, and not running long enough – there’s far too much “shut” in this shuttle.
When will the North Shore Summer Shuttle resume service this year, and how long will it operate?
My communities are on pins and needles every year waiting to see if this shuttle will be offered – it should be a permanent service.
This is a valuable service for residents of my district and one we want to see expanded beyond the tourist season. After all, residents live in these north shore communities year round. People have a huge need this service – youth, seniors, and workers.
However, right now if people want to take the bus in the winter, they have to leave at 7am and can’t get back until 5:30pm – especially not viable for our seniors. There needs to be a year-round mid-day run as well.
We need more “trans” and less “sit”.
Are there any plans to expand transit service to at least an additional mid-day run to our north shore communities year-round?
In winter 2021 the Minister of action introduced a new, special gov’t-issued drivers license to support the Kari ride-sharing service. A great step in transportation innovation.
There are many innovative ways to help provide affordable, energy-efficient transportation. There is the Turo peer-to-peer car rental service, Zipcar car-sharing service, and even just support for good old-fashioned car-pooling.
I urge you Minister, jump in the car-pool and show you Kari!
What are you and your department doing to support innovation, and introduce and support new ways to offer affordable and energy-efficient transportation on PEI?
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