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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.
More information is available by visiting pembroke.ca/transit. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new service.
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.
More information is available by visiting pembroke.ca/transit. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new service.
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