MP Anthony Rota and Mayor Al McDonald got a chance on Thursday to see where the federal, provincial and municipal funds for transit are going.

They were a taken on a tour of the city to see a new parabus improvements at several bus stops and a tour of the public works yard.

The city now has 2 new para transit vehicles at a cost of $115,000 a piece.

Transit Manager Remi Renaud says these vehicles are a step up.

“Capacity is 3 wheelchairs and four ambulatory as opposed to a lift system these vehicles have a ramp system. There’s both a side and rear ramp,” he says.
Renaud says they will have 12 new solar powered bus shelters which will improve safety as passengers wait for their bus and they’ve also expanded some of the sidewalk areas so people can access their bus stop easier especially important during the winter.

Mayor Al McDonald likes the changes to make North Bay Transit a modern transit service.

“I think we are well set for the future. There is a lot of pride for the employees who deliver the transit services. We have the ability to provide the best possible service for the clients and that’s our citizens,” he says.

Rota says he came away impressed.

“We’ve seen sidewalks that have been extended, bus shelters and improved access to them. It’s very gratifying to see what the funding went to,” he says.

Earlier this year, North Bay Transit received over $26 million in funding from the 2 senior levels of government. That money will be spread out over 10 years.

Shelter on McKeown

 

sidewalk on Shirreff