Brant Transit will operate under new service provider starting in the New Year

MEDIA RELEASE - County of Brant – The County of Brant announced Friday that a new service provider will be operating Brant Transit beginning January 2, 2024.

“We would like to thank residents for sharing their feedback on transit in our community,” adding the change comes after public consultation, and with Council approval.

So, what does this mean for current and new transit users?

The press release details that users will need to download a new Brant Transit app and create a new account to book their rides. Details about the exact date the new app will be available will be provided in the coming weeks, says the County.

There will also be a new phone number to book over the phone and an online booking option will be available later in January – stay tuned for updates. Ride availability will be the same across all platforms. For example, if you call in, you will receive the same information that is included on the app.

The new app will include features to improve the rider's experience including by allowing ride bookings up to 14 days in advance, ride notification reminders via your preferred method of communication up to minutes before the trip, availability to track rides through an app, and a new notes feature that will allow riders to share additional ride details when booking.

Other noticeable changes will mean no more reoccurring rides

You can still book more than one ride, but you will need to book each ride separately. Same day rides are not available and bookings for the following day close daily at 9 pm. The concept of the ride share service remains intact, which means that you will likely share your ride with others and there could be multiple stops along the way. Brant Transit is not the same as a taxi or an Uber, which are an on-demand service.

Brant Transit locations, hours of operation and rider fees will remain the same Brant Transit transports riders - anywhere in the County of Brant, going from the County of Brant to the City of Brantford and going from the City of Brantford to the County of Brant.

They operate Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sundays from 8 am to 6 pm (visit the Brant Transit website to view the holiday schedule) For more details, including a complete list of Brant Transit fees, visit www.brant.ca/Transit

*Please note that BTS (the current Brant Transit provider) will continue to provide service until December 31, 2023.

Combatting loneliness during the Holidays

The Grand River Council on Aging invites you to join Sarah Butterworth from the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre to discuss the physical and emotional impact of loneliness, especially during the holiday season. Sarah will share how reaching out with Community Care Calls can decrease feelings of social isolation.

The public event takes place on Wednesday December 13, from 10 am to 11 a m

To register for this free virtual workshop email admin@grcoa.ca or call 519 754-0777 ext. 439.