Bathurst kicked off the new year with the launch of a fresh transit service. The city introduced three 24-passenger buses providing door-to-door transportation for residents who previously relied on taxis for commuting in the northern New Brunswick area. Mayor Kim Chamberlain expressed her excitement by taking a ride on the inaugural day of the service.
The new transit service aims to offer cost-effective transportation options, especially catering to students and seniors. Mayor Chamberlain highlighted the benefits for employers in attracting workers to the city with the availability of public transportation. The introduction of on-demand public transit in Bathurst follows similar initiatives in other northern New Brunswick communities, with rides across the city costing a flat fee of $5 and requiring pre-booking via a mobile app.
Tyler Ells, a local pet store manager, praised the new bus service for providing affordable transportation for his staff, who previously faced high taxi costs impacting their earnings. Bathurst resident Frederick Arseneault emphasized how the bus service will assist home-bound individuals in navigating the town more easily.
FlexGo, the company operating the transit service in Bathurst, has successfully implemented a similar system in Edmundston. Mélanie Ruest, the director of regional development with the Northwest Regional Service Commission, shared that the bus system in Edmundston surpassed expectations, indicating a positive outlook for Bathurst. The company offers consistent pricing across communities, with rides costing $5 within the region and monthly passes available at $100, with discounts for students and seniors.
Looking ahead, FlexGo plans to expand its services to the Grand Falls area and the Restigouche region. The company’s long-term goal is to interconnect all northern bus systems for enhanced accessibility. The Grand Falls area will see a slightly different model requiring 24-hour advance booking, while the Restigouche region anticipates welcoming FlexGo in July.
The funding for the Bathurst and Edmundston bus systems is secured for three years, with contributions from federal, regional, and city governments. This initiative is deemed a pilot project to secure funding but is intended to be a permanent service for the community.
