Taking over the Mobility Transit Service
Belleville is bringing the Mobility Transit Service in-house, taking over the contracting-out system now in place.
City council made the decision this week.
Manager of Transit Services, Paul Buck told council the in-house mobility buses will provide service until midnight seven days a week, and will be available in Thurlow Ward as well.
A staff report indicates it would cost just under $360,975 for 2020, slightly over last year’s cost.
Any added cost will come from the Provincial Gas Tax account.
The city already owns and maintains three mobility buses.
The 2020 cost includes the hiring of three drivers and two dispatch staff, to comply with provincial guidelines.
In a report to council, Manager of Transportation Services Joseph Reid indicates this move will result in improved scheduling, increased ridership data collecting, and better scheduling through the entire transit system.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk thanked Parkhurst Transportation for the quality of its service while running the mobility bus over the years.
The city takes over the mobility transit services as of June first.
Belleville taking over Quinte West fire dispatch
Belleville will enter into a contract to take over the dispatching services for the Quinte West Fire department.
This week, city council approved the recommendation by Deputy Fire Chief Paul Patry, which would result in just over $89,000 a year in additional revenue for the fire department.
Quinte West council had recently approved the step, indicating this is cheaper for Quinte West than having to meet new upgrades and increased staff for that city’s fire department.
Belleville already dispatches calls in Hastings County as well as the city.
