Big changes are coming to Ride Norfolk’s service model, which means more convenience and flexibility for users.
Norfolk’s public transportation service will move away from its current “fixed route model” to an on-demand system beginning Monday, July 17. The on-demand service lets riders request trips through a mobile app, website, or over the phone by selecting a pickup point and destination available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Users can pay for their ride with debit or credit in the Blaise Transit App, with cash or tickets onboard. Booking will be available starting on Wednesday, July 12.
Rides can be booked 45 minutes to seven days in advance. The new model will operate as a one-year pilot project and will be funded by the Council-approved Ride Norfolk budget for 2023.
“We’re putting the bus where people are,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “We hope these changes will solve a number of challenges facing the service, making it more efficient for riders and drivers, and offering residents reliable transportation that’s where they need it, when they need it.”
Along with this new, on-demand service, the following changes to Ride Norfolk will also begin on July 17:
- The service will be offered Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Routes to Port Rowan will continue to be offered on Tuesdays only
- Bus service will no longer be available in Courtland and Langton
- Routes on Tuesdays and Fridays to Delhi will connect with Tillsonburg’s T:GO Transit service
- 16 new stops have been installed in the Simcoe area, including Hillcrest and Renton. All stops can be found at norfolkcounty.ca/RideNorfolkApp
The Brantford route will continue to be offered on a fixed schedule with two trips per day that depart from the Simcoe Library at 9:15 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. The 1:15 p.m. route will no longer be offered as of July 17. Booking your ride is encouraged to guarantee your seat.
Ride Norfolk staff will be available at Norfolk County Public Library Branches from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on the following days to answer questions, provide demos, and help riders get the app set up on their phone:
- Simcoe on Monday, July 10
- Delhi on Tuesday, July 11
- Port Dover on Wednesday, July 12
- Port Rowan on Thursday, July 13
- Waterford on Friday, July 14
For the best experience, book your ride by downloading the Blaise Transit App from Apple Store or Google Play. Rides can also be booked online at ride.blaisetransit.com or by calling customer service at 1-888-465-0783.
For more information or issues booking a ride, contact Ride Norfolk at 519-428-3178 or visit norfolkcounty.ca/RideNorfolkApp.
