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BRIGHTON
Independent Proudly serving Brighton, Colborne and Area
February 11, 2016 | 48 pages
www.insidebelleville.com
Public transit pilot program gets underway in Brighton By John Campbell Brighton – With the launch of a sixmonth pilot program in Brighton this week, the question now becomes: Will a trial public transit system turn into a permanent fixture or turn out to be transitory? Ridership, public feedback and a decision of council will determine its fate but supporters of the weekday service between Brighton and Trenton are optimistic it will prove its worth. “I see it being extremely successful,” said Mayor Mark Walas as he waited with others at Prince Edward Square for the Quinte Access bus to begin its initial run through town Monday afternoon before heading off to Trenton. “There are a number of folks who have identified the fact that they are either unable to drive or ... wish not to have to drive,” he said. “[This] allows them the flexibility of not only to get around our community but to get into Trenton. [It’s] just a wonderful opportunity for everyone.” Nesbitt Street resident Phyllis Harper was the first person picked by the bus, at the Sandpiper Community Centre. She has been “waiting a long time” for Brighton to have its own public transit system.
“I think it’s terrific,” she said. “I don’t drive, I don’t have a car ... and I haven’t been able to get down to Walmart on my own, so this is perfect.” Walas said he has been told by some residents “they were considering moving from the community because there was no transportation system ... As time has gone on, the need has presented itself and kudos to Gail Ellis who really brought it all forward [and] Quinte Access for being able to offer this ... It’s worked out very, very well.” Ellis, a member of the Brighton Accessibility Advisory Committee, initiated efforts to introduce public transit in Brighton with the support of the committee. She saw how valuable the service could be to Brighton residents through her work as a wellness program coordinator for Community Care in making use of the bus to provide transportation to aquafit classes in Trenton. “It’s just fantastic,” she said of Monday’s launch. “I’m really happy for people who don’t have any vehicles,” who can now get around town or go to Trenton, to have blood work done, do their banking, keep medical appointments, visit loved Attending the launch of a pilot program for a public transit system Monday were Sandy Fawcett-Kovacs, Brighton Mayor Mark Walas, Sandra Dunk, Councillor Mary Tadman and Gail Ellis, Fawcett-Kovacs are both members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Dunk and Tadman sit on the board of ones in hospital, or go shopping. Please see Public on page 2
Quinte Access, the service provider. Photo by John Campbell
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