Excited about the idea of public transit in Pembroke? Apply to the Transit Steering Committee by August 7.
Transit Steering Committee Application Form
The City of Pembroke is currently seeking community volunteers to participate in a Transit Steering Committee.
Over the past several years, the City has been exploring transit options in our municipality. In 2022, Paradigm Transportation Solutions completed a transit feasibility study for Pembroke where a flexible, on-demand transit system with service provided by two passenger vans was recommended to meet the needs of our community.
This fall, the City will be asking for proposals from transportation suppliers to implement and deliver an on-demand transit service within the City of Pembroke for a three-year trial period. If the contract for this new service is approved by council and a transportation supplier is selected this fall, the target start date for this new service is April 1, 2025.
To guide this project, a Transit Steering Committee will be formed. This Committee will be comprised of several members of council, City staff and a cross-section of potential users of this new service to help ensure the service meets local needs.
To apply to this committee, please complete the application form no later than Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Council and general public members will be appointed by council on August 13, 2024. Meetings are anticipated to be monthly. See the Q&As below for more information.
What is on-demand transit? |
On-demand transit is a shared-ride public transit service without a fixed schedule or route. Passengers choose where the trip starts and ends, within the transit service area. The transit vehicle’s travel is optimized by computer software, and it is based upon rider trip requests. On-demand transit operates within the entire City allowing riders to travel from point to point without transfers. |
Has on-demand transit been approved by council? |
At the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee, the following motion was passed: THAT the City of Pembroke issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an integrated on-demand transit service (excluding Handi-bus service) commencing April 1, 2025 for an initial three-year term with an option to extend for an additional four years. The RFP would be modelled similar to (the municipality of) North Grenville but include both gas or electric bus options for discussion. The hours of service would be: Monday-Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m The next step in this project is to request proposals from transit service providers to operate the service. Once these proposals are received, City Council will need to approve a proposal, and award a contract to a transit service provider to move forward with this project. |
How long will the Transit Steering Committee be required? |
It is expected that Transit Steering Committee will be required from mid-August 2024 to December 31, 2025. The actual term will depend on the start date of the new service, if a transit contract is approved and awarded by council. |
When will the Transit Steering Committee meet? |
It is anticipated that the committee will meet on the 2nd or 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, however, this schedule will need to be confirmed by the availability of committee members and the project manager. |
Where can I get more information on the role of the Transit Steering Committee? |
For more information on the role of the Transit Steering Committee, please see the Transit Steering Committee terms of reference. |
How can I get a copy of the Transit Feasibility Study? |
To request a copy of the Transit Feasibility Study, please email pembroke@pembroke.ca. |