Although she wasn’t here to make a formal announcement, Ontario’s Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott toured Thunder Bay’s Transit facilities and City Hall terminal Wednesday.
Scott also highlighted several projects City Transit has that are up for provincial and federal funding through the Investing in Canada and Infrastructure Program.
She notes they aren’t concerned the projects will be delayed by the federal election.
“I think they are good quality projects that have been asked for by the City of Thunder Bay. Our staff always talk to each other and have been since the applications came in. I’m feeling fairly strong and positive that it will be ok, we just have to wait for the federal election. But there is still work going on.”
The projects were submitted by Thunder Bay Transit, greenlit by the province, and now officials are waiting for funding from the federal government once the election is over.
Minister Scott says the projects would be paid for by the municipality, province and the federal government.
A list of the proposed projects are below.
Bus Stop Improvements
The main objectives of this project are to enhance access to the transit network and improve the user’s experience at bus stops by adding hard surface mobility pads, improving sidewalk connections and adding a higher level of user amenities such as bus shelters w/solar led lighting, benches, waste containers & passenger information features.
On-Demand Mobility Management Software
This project will increase connectivity with customers and expand Thunder Bay Transit’s electronic on-demand trip management capabilities and allow for better management of first mile/last mile circumstances.
Transit Hub Improvements
Thunder Bay Transit would like to enhance users’ waiting experience, safety and accessibility at Transfer Hubs by providing proper infrastructure 5 major transfer hubs.
Electronic Fare Management
The main objective of this project is to introduce a new automated Electronic Fare Management System (EFMS) that would modernize Thunder Bay Transit’s fare collection processes and improve fare payment convenience and efficiencies through the introduction of reload-able and/or account-based pre-paid smart cards.
Transit Facility Improvements
The main objectives of this project are to complete a number of deferred capital projects at the City of Thunder Bay Transit Garage. This location stores transit buses houses the vehicle maintenance garage, and also serves as the centralized administrative area for Thunder Bay Transit.
Conventional Fleet/Specialized Fleet Replacement
Replace ageing conventional and specialized transit vehicles to offer up to date technology and comfort to transit ridership in the City of Thunder Bay.
Vehicle Refurbishment
Maintain the life cycle of conventional transit vehicles at 16 – 18 years. Reduction in service interruptions by minimizing unplanned maintenance
Transit Fleet Service Equipment
Replace controller vehicle, service vehicle, hoists and monorail
Safety Equipment
Install bus driver shields in compartments of 48 transit buses. Install updated mobility securement devices in transit buses
Specialized Fleet Expansion
Provide capacity to meet the growing demand for specialized transit services within the City of Thunder Bay
Mobility System Hardware
Remain current with hardware for the ITS4 system that controls Transits AVL, as well as, exterior and interior stop announcements and display systems.
Construction of New Pedestrian Facilities
Construct new sidewalks or multi-use trails where gaps exist to improve access to transit stops
Construction of New Pedestrian Crossovers
Construct new pedestrian crossovers to improve access to transit stops
