Over the course of the next few weeks, Belleville Transit riders will notice a number of new service changes.
Introducing Route 9 – A new route will operate north of the 401 beginning Sept. 7. Route 9 will run seven days a week from the Quinte Mall through Settlers Ridge, Deerfield, Walmart, Canniff Mills, Heritage Park and Cannifton area, back to the Quinte Mall. Each bus stop has been provided with a stop-specific schedule and passengers are encouraged to download the TRANSIT app to access the travel map, real-time bus schedule and route planning function when the service begins. Maps and schedules with the new route are available at the downtown transit terminal, on-board buses, at Loyalist College and other locations throughout the City.
Ward 2 Specialized Service – Also beginning Sept. 7, the Belleville Transit Mobility Bus system will be extended to include door-to-door specialized service in Ward 2. Passengers that are registered for the service can book rides by calling the Dispatch office at 613-962-1925 or by emailing bellevilletransit@belleville.ca. Passengers wishing to obtain the registration paperwork can access it through our website, or by calling the dispatch and requesting a form be mailed to you.
Early Sunday Morning Service – Early morning on-demand transit will be available to get to your early Sunday appointments starting Sept. 12. Passenger will be able to use the ON DEMAND app to book their trip from 5 a.m. until scheduled service begins. Passengers can also pre-book their trips with transit dispatch at 613-962-1925 or email at bellevilletransit@belleville.ca.
Regional Transit Service – Quinte Transit is now operating transit routes between Picton and the downtown Belleville transit terminal, as well as Trenton and Loyalist College. Passengers can transfer between Quinte Transit and Belleville Transit seamlessly at Loyalist or the downtown terminal to get to school, work and appointments, or to visit family and friends. For information on Quinte Transit routes and fares, visit: quintetransit.ca.
Transfer Policy Update – Belleville Transit has updated its transfer policy. Effective August 1, transfer slips are now valid for one transfer within a 90-minute time period (beginning from the time the transfer is issued) from any bus stop, on any route. This update will allow riders that use cash, tickets or e-tickets to make a continuous trip between stops.
AODA Compliant Bus Stops – Work continues on the addition of AODA-compliant bus stops throughout the city. Stops are currently being updated along Routes 4, 5 and 7 with construction set to be completed this fall.
Pass Vending Machines – Four new monthly pass vending machines have been installed at various locations throughout the city for the convenience of riders. These additional vending machines are located at the Bayview Mall (inside the doors near the bus stop on the east side of the building), the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (in the main lobby), and Loyalist College (one inside the main doors of the Kente Building and the other in Residence Commons).
COVID-19 Protocols – Strict COVID-19 protocols remain in place for transit operations. Bus and facility sanitization are ongoing in an effort to protect staff and passengers. Ridership remains capped at a full, seated load of 30 passengers and masks are mandatory on board. Drivers complete COVID-19 screening forms before every shift and have access to a rapid test screening tool.
“As we get ready to welcome students back to the Quinte region and prepare for a busy September, we are very pleased to be introducing these new routes and improvements to our transit service,” said Transit Manager Paul Buck. “The addition of a scheduled and specialized service in Ward 2 and Quinte Transit’s Prince Edward County-Belleville-Trenton routes will allow riders to effortlessly travel to and from the city centre for all of their everyday needs. We encourage residents to learn more about these new routes and take advantage of these wonderful new services.”
“After two years of preparation, Belleville will now have a full-service urban public transit network, including mobility service,” said Ward 2 Councillor Bill Sandison, Chair of the Transportation Operations Advisory Committee. “In partnership with our provincial and federal governments, we have been able to expand service at no cost to residents for the first 12 months of operation. Together we accomplish more.”
For the latest transit information, visit the Belleville Transit webpage and be sure to follow @BUSBELLEVILLE on Twitter.
