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Provincial gas tax money ‘essential’ for fast-growing Bradford, says Mulroney

York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney was in Bradford West Gwillimbury to show support for recently announced funding that will go toward BWG Transit expansion

New provincial gas tax money is “essential” for communities like Bradford West Gwillimbury, said York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney on Wednesday.

The Ontario attorney general was at the BWG Leisure Centre to show support for the $278,939 the town is receiving, which will go toward BWG Transit expansion that includes early evening and weekend service and an extra bus.

The money, which was officially announced last week, is part of $364 million divided between 107 municipalities that provide public transit service to 144 communities.

“Money like this is essential for towns like Bradford West Gwillimbury. I’m just thrilled the province is able to support it,” Mulroney said.

“This investment will help improve the commute for many who use public transit on a daily basis, as well as for occasional riders. We are investing in public transit to make it a more convenient travel option, and to attract more riders in Bradford West Gwillimbury and across Ontario.”

The gas tax money the town is receiving will go toward the expansion of BWG Transit, which has “innovative” programs such as Taxi-to-GO and Taxi-to-Reagens, said BWG Mayor Rob Keffer. 

Those are shared-ride taxi services providing early morning and evening trips between BWG Transit bus stops and the GO Transit station or to businesses in Reagens Industrial Park, respectively.

Mulroney said she is “thrilled” to see the town growing and offering more employment opportunities, and seeing the town find ways to get people without vehicles to work.

BWG Transit will also see the following changes in 2019:

  • Early evening and weekend service: Route 1 will expand operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Route 2 will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Routes 1 and 2 will operate on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Route 1 schedule change: Route 1 (the “across-town” route) currently runs along Holland Street on a 35-minute loop. It will change to a 30-minute loop to create a shorter trip and aime to make planning simpler for travelers.
  • Service to Reagens Industrial Park: Route 2 (the “around-town” route) will introduce service along Reagens Industrial Parkway. There will be no set stops – passengers can simply wave to hail the driver and board the bus, and/or let the driver know in advance if they wish to exit the bus along that road.
  • A second bus for Route 2: To reduce travel and wait times, a second bus will operate on Route 2 every weekday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The “regular” Route 2 bus will be called Route 2A and will continue to run in a clockwise direction, while the new bus will be called Route 2B and will run counterclockwise.

Jenni Dunning

About the Author: Jenni Dunning

Jenni Dunning is a community editor and reporter who covers news in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
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