January 2025 Transit Project Update
Public transit is returning to Pembroke in 2025.
Council approved the introduction of a new on-demand transit service for City residents on January 21, with an initial start this summer and a full launch in September.
Operating as Ottawa River Transit, this service will be different from the traditional fixed-route service of the 1990s. Using the latest technology, this new service will operate on demand, where transit-specific software selects the best route to take people where they want to go. Turn-by-turn navigation and stop requests are provided by the software as overseen by a central dispatch office that provides customer service. Operating within city boundaries, people request rides through an app, by computer, or by a phone call to customer service. Pick up and drop off locations are determined by the software within pre-defined parameters (example: walking distance not to exceed 400 meters). Specifics on how to hail a ride and use the service will be available closer to the launch date.
This new service is expected to bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to the city. Over the next three years, this new service is projected to incur a net cost of $1.1 million after accounting for potential revenues, resulting in a 2% increase in the levy.
“As City Council lead on the public transit project, it’s been a real pleasure working together with everyone involved as a dedicated team to see this important pilot project become a reality,” said Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah. “This is a transformative step for our city, providing affordable transit options and benefiting many residents. Public transit is more than just transportation—it’s a catalyst for community empowerment and growth. Let's ensure its success by using and supporting the service to secure a permanent transit solution for Pembroke. I can’t wait to get on the bus!”
The lack of transit in the City has been raised as an issue in the community with Algonquin College, community groups, and residents advocating for change. Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Interim Dean Jamie Bramburger said, “The Pembroke campus attracts students from across Canada and around the world. As a destination campus, many of our out-of-town students lack access to a personal vehicle when they join our learning community. Implementing a public transit system will significantly aid our students in commuting to and from the college, accessing part-time employment opportunities and participating in social events, thereby enhancing their overall engagement in the community.”
The City is currently working with its preferred vendor, Mobility Transportation Specialists (MTS), to finalize the details of this new service in conjunction with its transit project management firm, Left Turn Right Turn. Key transit policies, including fares, will be discussed by the City Transit Committee and brought forward to Council for approval this spring.
For more information on this service, please see the presentation document below.
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Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new service.
| Transit Committee Members and Purpose |
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The City's Transit Committee members are as follows: Public Representatives Ankit Vyas Stephen Boldt Chad Leduc-Smith Sean Turner Ted Moryto
Council Representatives Mayor Ron Gervais Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah Councillor Ed Jacyno
Community Stakeholder Representatives Jamie Bramburger, Algonquin College Yannis Affoum/Francois Belanger/Connor Benson, Algonquin College Student Association Dan Callaghan, Handi-Bus Service Holly MacDonald, Chartwell Andrea Patrick, County of Renfrew Ralph Hatem, Pembroke Regional Hospital Chrystal Bloom, Manager, McDonalds Bethea Summers PBIA Jessica Milligan, Best Western
Project Team Representatives Jordan Papazoglou, Left Turn Right Turn, Project Manager and Committee Chair Angela Lochtie, City of Pembroke Treasurer, Alternate Chair David Unrau, City of Pembroke CAO Brian Lewis, City of Pembroke Director of Operations
Purpose The purpose of the Committee is to provide advice, feedback or guidance on transit needs that will need to be considered, balanced, and prioritized during the planning, design and implementation of a three-year on-demand transit pilot project to ensure the new service will meet the needs of the community and achieve desired outcomes within the City’s limited financial means. Key input required from members may include but is not limited to the following:
The Committee may also provide issue resolution on other matters referred to the Committee by the Project Manager or Council.
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| 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? |
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Council approved the introduction of a new on-demand transit service for City residents on January 21, with an initial start this summer and a full launch in September. Operating as Ottawa River Transit, this service will be different from the traditional fixed-route service of the 1990s. Using the latest technology, this new service will operate on demand, where transit-specific software selects the best route to take people where they want to go. Turn-by-turn navigation and stop requests are provided by the software as overseen by a central dispatch office that provides customer service. Operating within city boundaries, people request rides through an app, by computer, or by a phone call to customer service. Pick up and drop off locations are determined by the software within pre-defined parameters (example: walking distance not to exceed 400 meters). Specifics on how to hail a ride and use the service will be available closer to the launch date. |
| Project Management Firm |
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Implementation of this project will be managed by the firm Left Turn Right Turn (LTRT). LTRT is a boutique transportation consulting firm with proven experience supporting transit agencies and municipalities from across North America in launching successful on-demand pilot projects to provide public transit to their citizens. Jordan Papazoglou from LTRT will be serving as Project Manager and Chair of the Transit Committee. Jordan is a transportation engineer with over 7 years of transportation and transit planning experiences and has worked with other municipalities in launching an on-demand service, including the new North Grenville service in Kemptville, Ontario. Throughout the course of the implementation, Jordan will be supported by a skilled team of transit experts with more than 60 years of combined experience in the field. |
| 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. |