No. H 143/08
For release - June 6, 2008
KITCHENER - Today marked the official launch of the EasyGO traveller information systems for the Region of Waterloo. EasyGO is being funded by Transport Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Region of Waterloo.
EasyGO is a key component of the region's iXpress service, which was initiated under Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program. The iXpress service provides quick travel along a 35-kilometre central transit corridor in the Waterloo region and now carries over 6,000 riders daily. This service showcases the latest in transit technology - an automatic vehicle location and automatic passenger counting system, transit signal priority and now the suite of EasyGO traveller information systems.
"The iXpress project is an example of our government's successful partnerships to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from urban transportation in Canadian cities," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "The project is a step towards a rapid transit system in the Waterloo region that will continue to support urban renewal, enhance residents' quality of life and improve the economic vitality of the region."
At iXpress stations, monitors display real-time information and next station announcements are automatically displayed and announced on iXpress buses. Monitors at the two main transit terminals and at malls show real-time information for iXpress buses and scheduled times for all other bus routes. An interactive voice response telephone system and text messaging service provide the scheduled arrival times for the next three buses at any bus stop selected by riders. A web-based trip planner allows riders to select their best travel option on Grand River Transit.
"The development of efficient, well-used and sustainable public transit is key to the achievement of the goals of the Places to Grow Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe," said the Honourable John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Centre. "New transit innovations like iXpress and EasyGO position the region well to fulfil its ambitious plans for a rapid transit system."
The iXpress service runs Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 15-minute intervals during the morning and afternoon rush-hour periods, and at 30-minute intervals during the midday and evening, and on weekends. Because of continued ridership growth and demand, midday frequency is being increased to 15 minutes in September 2008.
"Since the region created Grand River Transit in 2000, we have invested heavily in expanding our transit services," said Ken Seiling, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. "Our latest initiative, EasyGO, helps people by making it easier to plan their trips and get to where they want to go."
The region has seen Grand River Transit ridership increase by over 50 per cent since acquiring transit operations in January 2000.
Transport Canada is contributing up to $3 million in funding to cover up to one-third of the cost of iXpress service, with the provincial government contributing up to $1.9 million through the Golden Horseshoe Transit Investment Partnership Program and the region contributing $4.1 million. The Region of Waterloo was selected as one of eight municipalities across the country to receive funds under the Urban Transportation Showcase Program.
The program funds projects that demonstrate the impacts of a range of strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from urban transportation, and expand the range and convenience of sustainable transportation options for Canadians. The program was developed following consultations with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, and others.
This week is Canadian Environment Week, an opportunity to focus on the impact Canadians can make towards a cleaner environment, healthier communities and a better quality of life for all. For more information on activities taking place in your community this week, visit the Community Calendar available on Environment Canada's website at www.ec.gc.ca.
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Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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