201117 Transit AGDThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee Meeting
November 17, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Hybrid Meeting- Council Chambers, 200 Broadway, Suite 204 & Electronic Meeting AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
meeting of November 17, 2020, be adopted.
3.Adoption of Previous Minutes
Propos ed R esolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisor y Committee
meeting of October 6, 2020, be adopted.
4.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
5.General Business & Reports
6.1 Additional Stops on Route Report- Alex Piggott
6.2 Bus Decals Report- Alex Piggott
6.3 Bus Stop 24, Simcoe and Tillson Report- Alex Piggott
6.4 Bus Stop Performance & Ridership- Alex Piggott
6.5 Bus Signs Report- Alex Piggott
6.6 T:GO Marketing & Communications Report- Alex Piggott/Colleen Pepper
6.7 Norfolk Mall Bus Stop Report- Alex Piggott
6.8 Potential Route Improvements Report- Alex Piggott
6.9 Ridership Statistics
6.10 Vacant Seat Update- Laura Pickersgill
6.Round Table
7.Next Meeting
Proposed Resolution #3
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee amends their meeting
schedule to meet every other month on the third Tuesday of the month at
10:00 a.m. or more frequently as needed.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the November 17, 2020 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at _____ a.m.
Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #4
8.
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee Meeting
October 6, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Hybrid Meeting- Council Chambers, 200 Broadway, Suite 204 & Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Sherry Hamilton, Kathryn Leatherland, Councillor Luciani, Stephanie Ellens -
Clark
Staff: Alex Piggott, Transit Coordinator; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services
Coordinator
Regrets: Lynn Temoin, Cindy Allen
1.Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m.
2.Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Kathryn Leatherland
Seconded by: Councillor Luciani
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
meeting of October 6, 2020, be adopted, as amended with the addition of item 6.10.
Carried
3.Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Luciani
Seconded by: Kathryn Leatherland
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
meeting of September 1, 2020, be adopted.
Carried
4.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5.General Business & Reports
6.1 Christmas Bus
Alex provided a summary of the draft report to Council in regards to the Christmas
bus. The bus would run beginning November 28th on all Saturdays until Christmas.
The BIA and Voyago are willing to sponsor part of this additional service. The
additional cost could be offset through available funds in the operating budget. Alex
will add information regarding fares into the draft report. There will be advertising
wrap on the busses to promote the additional service. It was suggested that this
wrap be more generic to use year after year.
Resolution #3
Moved by: Stephanie Ellens -Clark
Seconded by: Kathryn Leatherland
THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee endorses the Saturday Christmas
bus proposal.
Carried
6.2 Bus Decals
Alex will provide an update at the next meeting regarding decals that can be placed
on the bus letting the public know the bus is for public use. It was suggested that a
slogan be developed for this.
6.3 Bus Stop Review Discussion
This item will be added to the next agenda for further review and discussion. There
were concerns noted with lack of stop(s) on the northeast end of Town that is
experiencing a lot of development. Alex noted that the ridership statistic s provided
through the new service provider show s each stop usage. It was noted that this
information will be critical in analyzing the stops. Alex noted that the ridership
statistics may not be as accurate due to reduced ridership as a result of the COVID -
19 pandemic.
6.4 Norfolk Mall Bus Stop
There were concerns noted with the location and safety of the Norfolk Mall Bus Stop.
It was suggested to mitigate this issue that the stop could be moved under the
canopy of the old Walmart store at the Norfolk Mall, being that that part of the
sidewalk will include regular snow removal in the winter. It was noted that the stop
could potentially be under the Zehrs canopy. Alex will investigate these two options
and provide an update at the next meeting.
6.5 Larger Bus Stop Signs
There were concerns noted that the existing bus stop signs are too small and not
reflecting public usage. There were concerns brought up in the past that the signs
could not be bigger as this would not be permitted under the current signage by-law.
Staff noted that a request could be made by way of report to Council to amend the
signage by-law to allow for larger signs. It was suggested that the request include
the use of common sizing rather than a custom size to ensure pricing would be
reasonable. It was mentioned that these signs couldn’t be replaced entirely but that
they could be replaced as new stops ar e established and old stops are removed. It
was suggested that a soft launch to promote the service, such as adding temporary
balloons, to bus stop signs could be done.
6.6 Moving hazardous stop (Simcoe St)
There were safety concerns noted regarding bus s top #24 at Simcoe Street and
Tillson Avenue. It was suggested that a temporary solution be to move the sign up a
few bus lengths along the road to reduce the potential for rear -ending the bus from
drivers turning the corner. Voyago has added ‘yield to bus signage’ on their
vehicles. It was suggested that adding “this bus makes frequent stops” onto the
busses exterior could be beneficial. Alex will review this idea further and bring this
forward to the next meeting.
6.7 Multi-Service Centre Senior Bus Passes
Kathryn provided an update on the Multi-Service Centre Senior Bus Passes. The
Multi -Service Centre was the successful recipient of provincial grant funding that is
aimed at assisting seniors and adults with disabilities with food insecurity as a res ult
of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund has allowed the Multi-Service Centre to
subsidize the funds for the Meals on Wheels program and a grocery delivery
program. The Multi-Service Centre have partnered with the Helping Hand Food
Bank, the Ministerial Association and T:GO to share those funds to purchase bus
passes for seniors and adults with disabilities that are financially unable to purchase
so they can access a grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
6.8 Marketing Campaign
Alex noted that staff are currently working on a fall campaign with Norfolk County
and Middlesex County to promote the safety measures put in place to build
confidence in the service.
Laura will invite Colleen Pepper to the next meeting to discuss ideas for a fall
marketing campaign to promote the in-town bus service.
6.9 Ridership Statistics
Alex provided an overview of the ridership statistics. There was a discussion held
on the lack of ridership on the Port Burwell route. Alex is working with the
Municipality of Bayham to advertise this service in Port Burwell and noted there are
bus passes available in Port Burwell for purchase. Kathryn will review this further to
see if there are better ways to promote this.
Lynn’s daughter uses the Langton route on Tuesdays and Fridays and thinks the
service is great.
6.10 Committee Member Resignation
Resolution #4
Moved by: Kathryn Leatherland
Seconded by: Councillor Luciani
THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee accepts the resignation of
Committee Member, John Verbakel;
AND THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee acknowledges the member’s
valuable contributions to the Committee.
Carried
S taff will advertise this vacant seat under the Terms of Reference.
6.Round T able
None
7.Next Meeting
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
It was suggested that members take a look at the new bus during its stop out front of
the Town Centre Mall before the next meeting. Alex will look into this further.
8.Adjournment
Resolution #5
Moved by: Councillor Luciani
Seconded by: Stephanie Ellens -Clark
THAT the October 6, 2020 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at 11:17 a.m.
Carried
Subject: Additional Stops on Route
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
AND THAT additional stops be added in the areas of Fourth and Fifth Street, Glendale
Drive near Winona Drive and Dereham Drive by Charlottee Ave.
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Comm ittee, the committee asked for potential
improvements to the service including adding bus stops on the current route.
DISCUSSION
Staff created a drawing showing the current bus stops with a 400m service area around
each stop. The following is a lis t of potential stop locations.
• Fourth and Fifth Street. Staff will investigate adding a stop in this area to service
Tillson Street, especially with the recently installed electronic cross walk at the
intersection of Tillson and Fourth Street.
• Glendale Drive around Winona Drive
• Dereham Drive by Charlotte Ave
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting was held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
Public Works has reviewed this report and have no concerns .
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Act:
To ensure compliance with Municipal Class Environment Assessment Act, some public
consultation is required to obtain approvals. Adding stops to an existing transit route is
considered a Schedule A activity and is preapproved. Adding or extending the route to
service another area on existing roads is considered a Schedule A+ activity. Schedule
A+ activities require public notice of the project such as a report to Council to obtain
approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Signs cost approximately $100 each. With the potential of three new locations, this
would cost approximately $300.00. This can be funded from the T:GO operating
budget.
A n ew bus stop locations will require winter maintenance from Public Works and added
to the existing maintenance route.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☐ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Bus Stops with 400m radius service area
Appendix A – Bus Stops with 400m radius service area
Page 1 of 3
Subject: Bus Decals
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information.
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, raised concerns about the visibility and
identity of the buses as public transit vehicles .
DISCUSSION
Concerns were raised about the decals on the bus and identifying the bus as a public
transit vehicle. Additional decals have been requested to be installed on the front
bulkhead of the bus. There has been a delay in installing these decals due to an issue
at the production facility. Staff talked to the supplier and they are trying to have these
decals installed prior to December 1st .
The remaining space on the side of the bus and rear is being reserved for transit
advertising. This advertising is intended to generate some additional revenue to assist
with the operating budget and provide opportunities for business or service providers to
promote their business. A request for proposal to obtain an advertising agency to sell
this advertising space is being led by the County of Norfolk. We hope to have this
service in place for the summer of 2021. Appendix A shows the potential advertising
space available on the vehicles.
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Page 2 of 3
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting was held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The costs of the decals are being funding from the transit operating accounts .
Advertising revenue will generate revenue to support the sustainability of the transit
service.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellenc e in Local Government
☐ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☒ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☐ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☒ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☐ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A –Advertising Space
Page 3 of 3
Appendix A Advertising Space
Subject: Bus Stop 24, Simcoe and Tillson
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, concerns were raised about the
proximity of this bus stop to the intersection of Simcoe and Tillson.
DISCUSSION
Concerns and comments were raised about the location of this bus and the proximity of
traffic control signals. It was suggested to move this bus stop sign further east. Staff
reviewed this location and agree the bus stop could be moved further east. This has
been coordinated with Public Works and will be moved this fall.
The stop data provided by the service provider shows that s ince July, this stop has been
used seven times.
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting with held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
Public Works has reviewed this report and have no concerns .
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
This is being completed through the existing operating budgets.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1.Excellence in Local Government
☐ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2.Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3.D emographic Balance
☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4.C ulture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Page 1 of 5
Subject: Bus Stop Performance and Ridership
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, about the use of bus stops and
ridership.
DISCUSSION
Bus stop performance and ridership is an ongoing item. Monthly statistic s collected by
the service provider shows the boarding’s at each bus stop on the routes . Boarding’s
are used for tracking of ridership. In a small transit system, riders will typically get back
on the bus at the same location they get off the bus. The service provider is suggesting
continued review of stop 19B on Clearview Drive as this stop has not been utilized since
taking over the service in July. However, comments from the previous service provider
stated that this was an active bus stop, but no documentation was provided to support
this statement.
Transit services in general have experienced a change in travel patterns, including
T:GO. Ridership Data prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic shows peak ridership
consistently on the 2:00pm route, or the blue route that s ervices the industrial area.
Ridership data since March has shown a pattern change with ridership trends being
more even throughout the day. Appendix A shows the hourly ridership for 2020 with
September 2019 data shown as the typical pattern. 2020 has not shown the same
ridership pattern as in 2019. Appendix B shows that monthly ridership is down from
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2019, but is trending back up. Staff would suggest that ridership performance continue
to be monitored and evaluated again once ridership has returned to pre Covid 19
ridership levels.
With four months of bus stop performance data, staff would recommend that the stop
performance data continue to be monitored to see if there is a change in the usage with
the change in seasons. As shown in Appendix B, ridership increases the fall months
and remains steady into the spring of the following year . The bus stop performance data
should be reviewed again in April of 2021 and then further discussions about route
modifications take place based on this data.
With the potential of increasing ridership or attracting new riders to the service with a
marketing campaign, staff would recommend that we continue to operate the service
and continue to collect the data from all of the stop locations along with any new stops
along the route.
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting was held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
There is no financial impact to collecting and monitoring ridership data.
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Page 3 of 5
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☒ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Ridership Distribution
Appendix B – Monthly Ridership
Page 4 of 5
Appendix A – Ridership Distribution
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Page 5 of 5
Appendix B – Monthly Ridership
Page 1 of 3
Subject: Bus Signs
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
AND THAT any new bus stop signs use the modified sign design as shown in Appendix
A
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, the committee expressed concerns
about the visibility of the bus stop signs .
DISCUSSION
The committee expressed a concern with the size and visibility of the current bus stop
signs. The current bus stop signs have an area of 928 cm2. A standard no parking
sign with lettering below (RB -52B) commonly used in urban areas has a surface area of
1,350 cm2. The sign manufacturer has designed a modified sign with a surface area of
1,225 cm2 or 32% larger. Appendix A shows a comparison of the existing sign, the
proposed modified sign and the sign used for the Inter Community transit servic e in
rural areas.
The mounting hardware and cost of this sign is the same as the other sign.
Staff are recommending that any new bus stop signs be the modified sign size.
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Page 2 of 3
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting w as held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
Public Works has reviewed this report and have no concerns .
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Signs cost approximately $100 and can be funded from the existing operating account.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (C SP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☐ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Bus Stop signs
Page 3 of 3
Appendix A – Bus Stop signs
Page 1 of 18
Subject: T:GO Marketing and Communications
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee meeting, questions were raised about the
ongoing marketing and communications to promote the transit service. This report
summarizes the finding and activities to date with future considerations and continuous
monitoring.
DISCUSSION
Marketing and Communications is an ongoing program that is continuously evolving
with the change in seasons and the changes in the pandemic situation. Marketing
efforts have been coordinated with the Inter Community Transit project using posters,
Facebook, Google Ads and print media to raise the profile of public transit in Tillsonburg
and surrounding area. A marketing plan was developed and approved by Council in
March of 2020 and staff have been implementing that plan.
With the changes to the local newspaper, the coverage area for print media has
expanded to include the service area of Ride Norfolk. T:GO shares print advertising
space with Ride Norfolk to ensure a consistent message to increase transit ridership
both in Tillsonburg and Norfolk County.
Marketing efforts have been directed at potential riders to obtain more information about
the transit service from the T:GO homepage on the Town of Tillsonburg website.
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Appendix A shows the website activity with an increase in webpage traffic leading up to
the launch of the Inter Community Transit service in August. Activity on the T:GO
Facebook page has also seen a similar trend. The social media campaign from
Postmedia (Appendix B), shows the marketing efforts have resulted in a 234% increase
in activity on both our webpage and Facebook page since August 2020.
As part of the marketing program with Postmedia, Postmedia published an article in the
local newspaper on October 1st highlighting the benefits of the Inter Community transit
service. This indirectly benefits the intown service as riders will us e this service to
access the Inter Community routes from the Mall.
Moving into the fall and winter season, staff have partnered with Norfolk County to run a
series of ads promoting the measures in place to deal with Covid 19 in an effort to bring
ridership back to the transit services. These ads will be both in print circ ulation and
online through Facebook ads .
With the new low floor bus coming into service shortly, staff will promote the features of
this vehicle using a similar multimedia approach. The improved accessibility features of
the low floor bus will be highlighted. Voyago has offered to do a public promotion at the
Mall showcasing this vehicle before it goes into service. Further coordination is
necessary with the Mall, Voyago and the vehicle supplier to complete this task.
The committee has created a customer survey to solicit comments from the public on
potential improvements to the service. The original plan was to wait until the low floor
bus was in service for a given period of time to allow time for riders to experience the
features of this vehicle and then launch the customer service survey. Staff would
suggest that we continue with this approach. Advertising and promotions will need to
be completed to raise awareness of this survey and solicit comments.
Council recently approved the partnership with the BIA to promote the T:GO transit
service and shopping in Downtown Tillsonburg. A bus wrap is being developed with a
marketing campaign to promote this service using Facebook, posters and the Town’s
website. Postmedia is also working on messaging to support using transit for shopping
local on the Inter Community service.
In the spring of 2021, s taff are working on developing a campaign to raise awareness of
the Yield to the Bus requirements under the Highway Traffic Act with other transit
partners. This will raise the awareness of transit vehicles operating on local roads and
give a road safety message to drivers.
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Page 3 of 18
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting w as held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The costs of the marketing and communications is funded from the operating accounts
of the Inter Community transit service and the Intown transit service.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☒ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Google Analytics Results
Appendix B – Postmedia Campaign Results , pages 5 to 9
Appendix C –Draft of Joint Marketing Ads, pages 10 to 17
Appendix D –Facebook Ad, page 18
Page 4 of 18
Appendix A – Google Analytics Results
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Subject: Norfolk Mall Bus Stop
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information
AND THAT the bus stop at the Norfolk Mall be relocated to Zehrs
AND THAT staff put the necessary agreements in place to relocate the bus stop
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, concerns were raised with the location
of the bus stop at the Norfolk Mall.
DISCUSSION
Bus stop 25 at the Norfolk Mall is located in the parking lot to the east of Harveys/Swiss
Chalet Restaurant as shown in Appendix A. The previous service provider raised
concerns about traffic backing up in the parking lot and schedule adherence. An
agreement was reached with the Mall owner to approve this location.
The concerns of this committee is the exposure of riders to the elements at this stop
location and the access across the parking lot during the winter season. Staff spoke
with the current service provider and they agree that relocating this stop to underneath
the vestibule at the Zehrs grocery store will not affect the schedule and will improve the
pass enger experience. Staff are working on revising this stop location with the
appropriate agencies and hope to have this change in place prior to the new year. This
bus stop location will be a shared stop with the Ride Norfolk service that uses this
location on Wednesday’s.
CONSULTAT ION
A meeting w as held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
Public Works has reviewed this report and have no concerns .
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
There is no financial impact.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☐ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Norfolk Mall Bus Stop
Appendix A – Norfolk Mall Bus Stop
Page 1 of 6
Subject: Potential Route Improvements
Report Number:
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T., CRS-S
Meeting Type: Advisory Committee Meeting
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT this Report be received as information.
BACKGROUND
At the October 6th Transit Advisory Committee, asked staff to look at some potential
route improvements to the intown service.
DISCUSSION
The current transit service operates on a fixed route loop with a one-hour schedule.
The new service provider believes there is potential to add five minutes of drive time to
the route and maintain the current one-hour schedule.
The first potential route expansion and improvement could improve service to the
downtown as shown in Appendix A. The route improvement suggestion is to travel from
Stop 16 at the Station Arts Centre to continue on Bridge Street to Broadway, turn right
onto Broadway, add a stop in front of the Library and continue on Broadw ay to Rideout
turning right onto Rideout and then turn left onto Bidwell Street continuing on the route.
This could allow passengers on the north half of the route to get off the bus at the
Library and use the cross walk to go to the Mall, effectively reducing their travel time to
get to the Mall. Passengers that want to go the south end of Tillsonburg could use this
bus stop for a timely service to go from the Mall area. This potential route improvement
would add approximately 250m to the travel distanc e or approximately 1 minute to the
schedule. The stop location in front of the Library will need further review to ensure
there are no traffic conflicts.
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The second potential route expansion and improvement could extend the service further
north as shown in Appendix B. This could be achieved by changing the route to make a
right turn from Maple Lane onto Joseph Street heading east, turn left onto Mary Street
heading north, turn left onto Kara Lane heading north, turn left onto Peach Street
heading north, turn left onto Barker Street heading west, turn left onto Tillson Ave
heading south and turn right onto Fourth Street and continue on the route. This loop is
approximately 1.8km adding an additional 5 minutes to the route with an average speed
of 25km/hr.
Additional bus stops will need to be added in this area. Stop 5 at Joseph and Maple
Lane will need to be relocated further to the east on Joseph Street and moved to the
south side of the road. There is a potential to add an additional two or three bus stops
along this proposed route expansion.
Staff are recommending that these route improvements be considered in stages and in
spring to allow the service provider to verify the travel time of the route during winter
driving conditions. The first route improvement (adding the stop at the Library) could be
done in 2021 as the costs to do this improvement is minor and could produce a better
rider experience. The second route improvement with the route expansion could be
done in 2022 as budgets permit and better route and bus stop performance data is
obtained to ensure this proposed route change will be effective.
Changes to the routes will require some public consultation to meet the requirements of
the Environmental Assessment Act, additional bus stop signs, updating Google Transit
and reprinting of the brochure. With an estimated cost of $100.00 per sign, these route
expansions and improvements would cost approximately $400.00 for signs. Reprinting
of the transit brochures could be done when there is a need to restock the inventory
through the operating budget.
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CONSULTAT ION
A meeting w as held with the service provider on October 20, 2020 to provide input and
comment on the items in this report.
Public Works has reviewed this report and have no concerns .
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Act:
To ensure compliance with Municipal Class Environment Assessment Act, some public
consultation is required to obtain approvals. Adding stops to an existing transit route is
considered a Schedule A activity and is preapproved. Adding or extending the route to
service another area on existing roads is considered a Schedule A+ activity. Schedule
A+ activities require public notice of the project such as a report to Council to obtain
approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Signs cost approximately $100. With the potential of four new stop locations, this would
cost approximately $400.00, plus the costs to update the brochures and Google Transit.
Any n ew bus stop locations will require winter maintenance from Public Works and
added to the existing maintenance route.
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COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of em ployment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☒ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Potenital Route Expansion 1
Appendix B – Potential Route Expansion 2
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Appendix A – Potenital Route Expansion 1
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Appendix B – Potential Route Expansion 2
* Child / Vet / Support Person recorded as Cash but ride Free.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
99 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 102 99
Ridership by Stop
On
Off
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 -6:30 Run 2 - 9:00 Run 3 -11:30 Run 4 - 14:30 Run 5 - 17:00
Ridership by Run
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Senior Adult Student 5+ Child <5* Vet * Supp P *
Fare Type Count
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
* Child / Vet / Support Person recorded as Cash but ride Free.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
99 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 202 99
Ridership by Stop
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 09:00 Run 2 - 11:30 Run 3 - 14:30
Ridership by Run
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Senior Adult Student 5+ Child <5* Vet * Supp P *
Fare Type Count
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 10:15 Run 2 - 10:49 Run 3 - 12:45 Run 4 - 13:19 Run 5 - 15:45 Run 6 - 16:19
Ridership by Run
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
Senior Adult Stud 5+ Child <5* Vet* Supp P*
Fare Type Count
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
99 302 303 304 305
Ridership by Stop
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
99 114 403 404 405 406
Ridership By Stop
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Senior Adult Student Child Vet Supp P
Fare Type Count
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 08:00 Run 2 - 10:11 Run 3 - 15:45 Run 4 - 17:56
Ridership By Run
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Senior Adult Student Child Vet Supp P
Ridership by Fare Type
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19A 19B 20A 20B 21A 21B 22A 22B 23A 23B 24 25 26 27 28 29
Ridership By Stop (Boarding)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00
Ridership by Time