People who need to ride the Region of Peel’s accessible TransHelp transit vehicles should soon have it a bit easier.
A funding project that includes the federal, provincial and local regional governments will give $8.8 million to buy new buses and also finally introduce the PRESTO pay system into TransHelp.
The aim is for increased capacity, better quality and safety, and of course better access to public transit systems.
Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said, “These investments will help make sure there’s accessible public transit, powered by lower-emissions propane, for residents across Peel Region, throughout Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.”
She also added, “by modernizing the public transit payment method to one already in use in other Ontario cities, we’re giving TransHelp bus riders more options to make fare payment easier.”
The majority of the funding will be used to replace older transit vehicles with 69 new, specialized, 8-metre buses. The new buses are powered by propane and have a side-mounted lift, which will give increased access to public transit in the region.
The other major part of the project is the adoption of the PRESTO electronic fare collection system across the TransHelp fleet.
Peel Region Chair Nando Iannicca said of the project, “Peel’s goal is to create a place where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and has access to the services and opportunities needed to thrive. This funding supports initiatives that directly improve the service experience for passengers with disabilities and advances the modernization of specialized transit in Peel. It’s an example of all levels of government working together to directly benefit the community by ensuring residents with disabilities can continue to travel without barriers.”
Learn more here.
Feature Image – Janette Smith Twitter