The fee rides were nice while they lasted, but Bradford's transit fares are set to resume Monday, March 15.
Transit has been free for all riders anytime the Leisure Centre has been closed since that is where riders load money onto their fare cards.
The Leisure Centre has been closed for the better part of the past year from March 19, 2020 - Oct. 19, 2020, and again from Dec.26, 2020 - March 15, 2021.
"This was in part to assist people by providing a small cost savings and ensuring they could still access essential services during a difficult time," said Community Relations Officer for the town, Caleigh Clubine, adding that with more people using electronic payments, they didn't want to have to force riders to pay cash.
"With the onset of the pandemic, BWG Transit was swift to adapt to changing conditions," said Director of Community Services for the town Terry Foran. "Service was modified from scheduled constant routes to an on-demand system to help protect operators and passengers, while being fiscally responsible during the period of decreased demand. With the modifications to service there was a savings over the total budgeted amount, which was able to cover the lost revenues from fares."
Due to the decrease in ridership BWG Transit has been operating with on-demand service only, Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Leisure Centre along with the Bradford Public Library is set to reopen on March 8 and riders have until March 15 to re-load their fare cards.
For more information visit the town's website here.
Bradford West Gwillimbury's municipal transit system provides bus service for residents who need transportation to appointments, shopping, amenities and more. Additionally, it provides a shared-ride taxi service for GO Train commuters outside of regular transit hours.
