THUNDER BAY – Buses will run less often and end service earlier in the evening under a new reduced schedule beginning Monday. The changes are a response to lower ridership and the need to maintain physical distance on-board due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early morning operation will continue for all routes from Monday to Saturday. Buses will run every 45 minutes between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. on those days, with the following exceptions:
- Route 4 will operate Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Route 6 will operate Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Route 12 will operate Monday to Saturday, 6:20 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Route 16 will operate Monday to Saturday, 6:20 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Further details on the new schedule can be viewed on the Thunder Bay Transit website. LIFT+ services are not affected.
“The City’s decision to reduce transit hours and frequency is being done in an effort to be vigilant in the City’s response and planning related to declining ridership due to COVID-19,” said transit manager Brad Loroff. “Changes are also being implemented in order to create flexibility to re-allocate additional resources to some of Thunder Bay Transit’s busier routes.”
The city is making special accommodations for Neebing residents who rely on transit to get to and from work. While route #4, which serves the area, is suspending evening transit hours, the city is offering by-reservation service for essential workers, as defined by the province.
The service will operate using LIFT+ vans. Travel must be booked at least one day in advance. Residents can use the service by calling the booking line at (807) 345-0777.
The city is asking residents to use public transit for essential trips, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, and travel to work at an essential workplace.
