NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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Starting Aug. 6, 2019, Simcoe County is launching two new LINX Transit Service routes and assuming the operations of an existing connecting link between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.
The new routes complement the successful launch of Route 1, Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie, which launched in 2018 and has seen ridership increase on a monthly basis.
Starting Aug. 6, the new routes will include:
- Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie (south) with stops in Clearview and Essa
- Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie (north) with stops in Oro-Medonte
- Route 4 – Assuming the existing Collingwood to Wasaga Beach Link with no alternations to current operations
Ridership on the three new routes (not applicable to Route 1) is free from Aug. 6 to Sept. 2, with regular fare rates starting after Labour Day.
The County also offers an accessible door to door LINX+ (plus) transit service for individuals who have a disability which prevents them from being able to use LINX’s regular, fixed route transit service. LINX+ provides service to the communities along Routes 1-4 only. Residents are asked to complete a registration form to access the service by visiting linx.simcoe.ca or by calling 1-800-263-3199. LINX+ service will be available for Routes 2-4 beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.
In 2017, as part of the County’s Transit Implementation Plan, County Council approved a 5-year, $5 million plan to create a regional transit service. The continued planned roll out of the LINX service includes the launch of Route 5, connecting Alliston to Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Route 6, from Midland to Orillia, by the end of 2020.
“This is another tremendous milestone for the County, our communities and residents,” said Warden George Cornell. “Route 1 has been a huge success, with ridership exceeding expectations by 25 per cent on a monthly basis. With such a large region, growing population, and an increasing number of seniors, students and workers seeking affordable and reliable transportation, we’re confident our new routes will address an important need, while connecting citizens to key service, education and labour hubs across the region.”
Visit linx.simcoe.ca to learn more about the LINX and LINX+ service.
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