Moncton’s bus growth plan has been unveiled after an extensive wait, proposing enhanced service hours, expanded service areas, and improved integration with bus routes in Dieppe and Riverview. However, immediate significant changes are not expected as the eight-year strategy does not include additional funding for 2026.
Angela Allain, the director of Codiac Transpo, highlighted that the initial year of the plan would prioritize efficiency enhancements, particularly focusing on route 66 Caledonia, which serves Moncton High school. Presently, passengers traveling between Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe are required to make at least one transfer due to route boundary crossings. Discussions regarding “interlining” between these areas to establish a more seamless system are underway, aiming to facilitate long-term feasibility.
The growth strategy outlines approximately $1.2 million in new spending for 2027 and 2028, which includes adding a new bus to the fleet, recruiting eight new staff members, and increasing service hours by about 8,500, extending service on Sundays and some holidays, and running select buses later on weekdays and Saturdays. In the subsequent period from 2029 to 2033, an additional $3 million in funding is proposed to introduce eight new buses, hire 18 staff members, and provide nearly 20,000 additional service hours, enabling the expansion of routes into new service areas.
According to transit planner Lainy Stevenson, the network restructuring will occur in two phases, incorporating three route categories: frequent, local, and targeted. Stevenson, who has been working on the growth strategy for approximately a year, emphasized the importance of tailoring the bus network to meet the needs of Moncton residents by conducting surveys and engaging with the community.
The plan envisions the implementation of three “frequent” routes with buses arriving every 15 minutes during peak hours to ensure convenience and accessibility for passengers. Additionally, local routes will operate at lower frequencies, serving medium-density neighborhoods, while targeted routes will cater to specific locations like industrial areas during shift changeovers.
Moreover, the strategy includes proposed enhancements to bus stops and shelters, as well as the introduction of transit priority measures on Moncton streets. These measures, such as signal priority, aim to expedite bus travel by optimizing traffic signals for buses at intersections.
Stevenson anticipates that the full execution of the eight-year plan could result in an additional one million trips annually, representing a 28% increase in transit ridership. The projected growth in transit usage is expected to generate additional fare revenue, offsetting a portion of the plan’s upfront costs.
The Moncton city council unanimously approved the plan, with members expressing optimism about its potential impact. However, some councilors, like Charles Léger and Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault, voiced desires for a more accelerated implementation and emphasized the importance of prioritizing public transit initiatives.
Allain emphasized that the plan’s pace of implementation hinges on financial considerations and bus delivery schedules, underscoring that the process will require time and increased budget allocations. She reiterated the commitment to investing in routes with high passenger demand first to maximize the plan’s effectiveness and address community needs.
In essence, the growth plan serves as a strategic roadmap for Codiac Transpo, aiming to bolster investment in public transit infrastructure and garner public support for the essential transportation initiative.
