Recommended 2019 Service Plan Changes
Recommendations based on the Route Structure and Service Guidelines Review
The following changes were set out in the five year Route Structure and Service Guidelines Review:
Routes 2, 4, 9, 10/14, 13, 15/21, 16, 17 and 20
Recommended Service Changes:
- Weekday and Saturday- Extend service to end an hour later from 12 am to 1 am on the same frequency currently operating for each route during the late evening period.
Issue/Rationale:
The Route Structure Review recommended extending service to 1 am on all routes currently operating until midnight. Due to budget limitations, it is proposed to introduce the later service on 11 routes that are geographically unique and possess high ridership, noting these are the same routes that had earlier Sunday service introduced as part of the 2018 service plan. The remaining routes operating until midnight will be assessed for service hour expansion as part of the next five year service plan review process.
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2018) | PM Peak Bus Requirements |
| Weekday and Saturday- Extend service until 1 am on 11 routes | 6,080 | 2,030 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
There was strong support for the extension of evening service. Route preferences for extension largely correspond to those recommended.
Route 24
Recommended Service Changes:
- Sunday – Introduce service from 10 am until 5 pm on a 40 minute frequency.
Issue/Rationale:
Introducing Sunday service on the route provides greater access to transit seven days a week for passengers along the route. Additional changes to Route 24 are recommended below.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2018) | PM Peak Bus Requirements |
| Sunday- Introduce Service between 10 am and 5 pm | 870 | 250 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
Discussed below in 16, 24 & 92 section.
Recommendations based on the Annual Service Planning Review Process
The following recommendations come from current operational concerns, public feedback, and Operator input. The proposed changes are intended to simplify the system, increase frequency, improve schedule adherence and/or address overcrowding concerns.
Routing Modifications
Route 1
Recommended Service Changes:
- Modify route in three areas: operate on Colborne between Oxford and Cheapside, instead of along Richmond, remove service along Bond and Raywood to instead operate along Wellington and Base Line north of Victoria Hospital, and operate on Horton and Colborne when travelling southbound toward Grey St, see Figure I.
- Adjust frequencies in the weekday PM peak and early evening periods, Saturday early AM, and Sunday base and peak periods to right-size the service based on productivity. See table below for more details.
Issue/Rationale:
Route 1 currently operates along arterial routes with many deviations into surrounding neighbourhoods, which results in lengthy routing and back-tracking for passengers. The significant deviations also reduce the productivity of the route overall.
Routing changes are proposed to make the route more direct while still maintaining connections to major origins and destinations and enhancing ridership productivity.
The minor frequency changes are intended to better utilize resources.
Impacts:
Frequency (proposed changes are shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 20 | 15 | 20 | 16 | 25 | 30 |
| Existing Headway | 20 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 30 | 30 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 40 | 30 | 20 | 30 | 30 |
| Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 20 | 30 | 30 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 32 | 25 | 30 |
| Existing Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify routing and adjust frequencies | -3,690 | -1,230 | -1 |
Public Feedback:
The majority of feedback received did not support the proposed changes for Route 1. However, this result was skewed by the overwhelming response to the changes in Old North. While there was some concern regarding the Wellington Rd./Base Line Rd. change due to increased distances, the majority of respondents supported both this change and the Soho neighbourhood route modification.
Opposition was strongest to the changes in Old North and was predominately composed of homeowners on Regent St. and Colborne St. north of Cheapside St. Homeowner concerns centered on the loss of property values, safety and traffic. Similar concerns were also voiced by a smaller group on Colborne St. south of Cheapside St. Some transit riders were opposed to the loss of direct service to Richmond St. and King’s University College. It should be noted that there was also positive feedback from other residents in this area who welcomed the improved access to transit.
The feedback led to a more extensive assessment of transit efficiency in the area. This further analysis resulted in a recommendation to modifying routing to Cheapside and Adelaide.
While a significant portion of riders are affected by the removal of service from Richmond St., routing options to the east provide a greater benefit to total passenger time travel and ridership productivity. This is particularly true with the recommended interline of Route 27 and 29 that would maintain a strong connection to Richmond St. and significantly improve access to King’s University College.
The recommended routing is projected to be slower during peak periods than the routing in the Draft Plan. However, it effectively balances time travel with greater projected ridership productivity by enhancing service on the high ridership area of Adelaide north of Cheapside.
Route 2 / 94
Recommended Service Changes:
- Route 2 – Reduce weekday peak period frequency from 10 minutes to 15 minutes between 7am and 10am and between 1pm and 6pm.
- Route 94 – Introduce new semi-express route operating between Natural Science and Argyle Mall during weekday peak periods at a 26 minute frequency between 7am and 10am and at a 23 minute frequency between 1pm and 6pm, see Figure II.
Issue/Rationale:
An opportunity exists to offer faster travel time for passengers along the Route 2 corridor by offering an express bus during peak periods. This will shift resources from the over serviced areas on Route 2A and Route 2B to the main corridor with high ridership on Dundas and Western/Wharncliffe.
The proposed express stops would capture approximately 51% of the existing ridership, without accounting for passengers choosing to walk further to an express stop. These stops would see slightly increased frequency than currently provided, while local-only stops would experience an average 2.5 minutes of additional wait time during weekday peak periods.
Proposed express stop locations for Route 94 are as follows:
- Argyle Mall
- Dundas & Highbury
- Dundas & Adelaide
- Queens/King & Richmond
- Riverside & Wharncliffe
- Wharncliffe & Oxford
- Western & Sarnia
- Natural Science
Additional stops will be assessed through the Express stop warrant system and public feedback before final implementation.
Impacts:
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Route 2 – Reduce weekday peak period frequency | -7,308 | -2,436 | -4 |
| Route 94 – Introduce route during weekday peak periods | 7,308 | 2,436 | 4 |
Public Feedback:
The Route 2/94 change largely elicited positive feedback. Concern for the change was mostly due to the slight reduction in peak period frequency in the Bonaventure and Trafalgar Heights neighbourhoods.
Route 3/5
Recommended Service Changes:
- Saturday – Increase Route 3 frequency from 30 to 17 minutes between 10am and 6pm.
- Saturday – Decrease Route 5 frequency from 30 to 32 minutes between 10am and 6pm.
Issue/Rationale:
The Route 3/5 interline was frequently referred to as “too confusing” during the public engagement process. Central to that confusion is the inconsistency in interline routing. Route 5 is currently interlined with only Route 3A during all time periods with the exception of Saturdays 10am – 6pm, when it is also interlined with Route 3B.
The proposed frequency changes during this time period enables Route 5 to be interlined with only Route 3A during all time periods, thus simplifying the route. The change also reduces confusion by enabling the creation of two distinctly named routes. Route 3B would be renamed Route 3, while the 3A-5 interlined would be renamed Route 5.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Increase Route 3 Saturday frequency to 17 minutes and decrease Route 5 frequency to 32 minutes between 10 am and 6 pm | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Route 5
Recommended Service Changes:
- Weekday – Eliminate daytime only routing on Griffith east of Boler and operate on Boler Road during all time periods, see Figure III.
Issue/Rationale:
Route 5 currently operates different routings through Byron before 6pm on weekdays than it does in the evenings and on weekends. The proposed change eliminates the routing changes based on time of day to instead operate along Boler Road during all time periods, simplifying the overall route. There would be a service coverage impact for passengers who currently catch the bus on Griffith east of Boler although many would still be within 400 metres of a transit stop.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify weekday daytime routing to stay on Boler at all times of day | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
Minimal public feedback was received regarding this change, with most comments supporting the recommendation.
Route 6
Recommended Service Changes:
- Modify routing to reduce backtracking on campus – operate northbound on Richmond, west on Windermere, south on Perth, and east on University Drive, see Figure IV.
- Eliminate interline with Route 9C.
- Reduce frequency on weekday early AM and late evening periods, Saturday mornings and late evenings, and Sunday morning and early evening. See table below for more details.
- Reduce frequency in spring/ summer on weekday evenings, all-day Saturday, and on Sunday late evenings. See table below for more details.
Issue/Rationale:
The current routing on Route 6 at the University is indirect and prone to delay due to increased traffic on campus. A streamlined routing is proposed that maintains service to University Hospital and a portion of Western campus (Talbot College/Delaware Hall) while saving travel time and service hours.
The modified routing would also provide northbound service on Richmond north of University Drive, offering better service to residents in the apartment buildings in this area. Additionally, Route 6 would help alleviate overcrowding on Route 13 leaving Western University southbound from Talbot College/Delaware Hall.
After 7pm, Route 6 is interlined with Route 9C – both routes experience schedule adherence concerns due to run time constraints. Also, the evening-only interline can be confusing to passengers as there is a routing change. Additionally, passengers cannot travel between Western University and Woodward Avenue easily after 7pm. In order to simplify the system, it is proposed to eliminate the evening interline of Route 6/ 9C to maintain the regular daytime routing on each route during all time periods. In order to maintain existing frequencies, service hour investments are required.
Finally, Route 6 has low productivity at specific times, especially during the spring/summer periods, and is recommended to have frequency reductions made during these times to better match service with demand.
Impacts:
Route 6 passengers would no longer have direct service to Natural Science or Alumni Hall; however, Route 106 provides this service while operating much more frequently (every 10 minutes vs. every 30). There could be additional capacity constraints on Route 106 that can be alleviated with the proposed Route 106 frequency increase.
Frequency (Recommended changes are shown in bold, spring/ summer in brackets)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 35 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 25 (35) | 35 (60) |
| Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | AM Peak | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 55 (-) | 35 (60) | 25 | 20 (25) | 25 (35) | 35 (60) |
| Existing Headway | 35 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 35 | 25 | 35 | 30 (60) |
| Existing Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify routing through University; eliminate interline with Route 9C; all-year frequency reductions | -1,980 | -660 | -1 |
| Frequency reductions in spring/ summer | -850 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
A small majority supported the recommended Route 6 changes. In particular, the split of the Route 6/9C interline received favourable comments.
Support for the University routing modification was split. Some were supportive of what they perceived to be improved transit efficiency. Those opposed were concerned about increased walk distances to various destinations on Western University campus and wanted service to Natural Sciences and Alumni Hall to be maintained.
Service reductions were another element of the recommended changes that was unpopular.
The opposition to the proposed changes was expected as it would decrease service at certain times and add inconvenience to some riders. However, the changes better matches service with transit demand and improve ridership productivity. Additionally, Route 106 is recommended to have improved frequency and will continue to provide service to Natural Science.
Route 9, 25, 27, 29, 31, 32, 34, 40 – North End
Recommended Service Changes:
- Route 9 – Present two alternative routing options through in Whitehills for further public feedback. The first alternative would serve the intersection of Wonderland and Fanshawe Park Roads and provide two-way service along Limberlost, see figure V. The second alternative would provide two-way service along Sarnia Road and Aldersbrook Road and terminate at Hyde Park Power Centre, see Figure VI.; frequency would decrease slightly in the second alternative.
- Route 25 – Modify route to stay on Fanshawe Park Road between Phillbrook and Trossacks, see Figure VII.
- Route 25 – Weekday – Improve weekday frequency from 30 to 20 minutes between 2 and 5 pm.
- Route 25 – Sunday – Improve frequency from 60 to 27 minutes between 3 and 7 pm.
- Route 27 – Interline with Route 29 via Huron St. and University Dr., see figure VIII; extend operating hours to match current Route 31/32 service hours.
- Route 27 –– Increase frequency during all time periods. See table below for more details.
- Route 29 – Introduce summer and holiday service. See table below for more details.
- Route 29 – Weekday – Improve weekday frequency between 12 and 6 pm. See table below for more details.
- Route 29 – Weekend – Improve weekend frequency during all time periods. See table below for more details.
- Route 31 – Present two alternative routings in Whitehills for further public feedback. The first alternative would provide two-way service along Sarnia Road and Aldersbrook Road and terminate at Hyde Park Power Centre, see Figure V. The second alternative would serve the intersection of Wonderland and Fanshawe Park Roads and provide two-way service along Limberlost, see Figure VI.; frequency would increase slightly in the second alternative.
- Route 31 – Eliminate interline with Route 19 (see Route 19 modifications) and Route 32
- Route 32 – Eliminate route.
- Route 34 – Modify route to serve Richmond & Sunningdale via Plane Tree and Quarrier. Operate two-way service on Ambleside, see Figure VII.
- Route 34 / 40 – Interline routes at Alumni Hall during all time periods. Remove evening and Sunday interline at Masonville
- Route 40 – Modify route to serve Windermere, Doon, and Western University. Operate two-way service on Glenora, Grenfell, and Phillbrook, see Figure VII.
Issue/Rationale:
Whitehills
Development near the Whitehills area has changed dramatically in recent years with increased residential development to the west and residential and commercial to the north. The current routing of Route 9 and 31 over-services some areas, such as Blackacres, while not providing service to key nodes such as the intersection of Wonderland & Fanshawe Park Road. Additionally, the current 9A/ 9B loop adds confusion and reduces the frequency through the large loop depending on where passengers are travelling.
The two alternative routing modifications proposed on Routes 9 and 31 provide more direct service, more service to the Wonderland and Fanshawe Park intersection, reduce service duplication and better align service to ridership demand.
There are significant schedule adherence issues currently on Route 9 that require investment to alleviate. The proposed routing changes help to address the schedule adherence concerns ensuring Route 9 operates reliably during all time periods.
Operating Routes 9 and 31 on Sarnia from Western Road to Wonderland Rd N during all time periods will increase capacity in this high ridership area and help alleviate congestion on Routes 10 and 29.
The 2019 Draft Service Plan proposed a modified Route 9 to serve the intersection of Wonderland and Fanshawe Park Roads and provide two-way service along Limberlost. Route 31 would be modified to provide two-way service along Sarnia Road and Aldersbrook Road. Public feedback to the proposal indicated the proposed routing would run counter to travel patterns with the majority of riders in the Limberlost area destined for Western University while the majority of Aldersbrook riders are destined for downtown. Our ridership data suggests that this might be valid noting the numbers may not fully indicate passenger origins and destinations. Presenting the two alternatives for Routes 9 and 31 in Whitehills to a public engagement process enables the ridership patterns to be clarified.
The current interline with Route 19 and 31 is proposed to be separated as Route 19 has a much more commuter-dominated ridership comparted to Route 31’s predominantly student ridership. Route 31 would also be separated from Route 32 due to the recommended elimination of this route (See Route 27-29 Interline).
Route 27/29 Interline
Interlining Routes 27 and 29 combines two closely aligned areas of ridership to create direct connections between several high ridership nodes. Notable new direct service includes between Fanshawe College and Western University, and between Kipps Lane/Huron & Highbury and Wonderland & Oxford.
The new interline would also reduce service duplication between Routes 27 and 32, provide more direct service, better align ridership to demand and reduce total passenger time travel. Frequency would increase significantly on highly productive sections such as Kipps Ln and decrease in lower ridership areas such as Fuller St. and Huron St. between Barker St. and Adelaide St.
Service hours for the interline would match the current service hours on Route 32. This constitutes a significant extension of service hours for both Route 27 and 29.
Route 10 between Western University and Oxford at Wonderland as well as Route 27 are regularly experiencing overcrowding concerns in the spring/summer period. The recommended Route 27/29 interline would introduce spring/summer service on Route 29 and increase frequency on Route 27 that would help alleviate these issues.
The most significant overcrowding currently occurs during the school year on Route 10 in the weekday PM peak period. The recommended frequency increase on Route 29 during this period would help alleviate the issue.
Finally, Route 27 and 29 have high ridership growth potential and continuously high productivity. The overall increase in frequency and service hour extensions will improve convenience for passengers and reduce overcrowding.
Windermere/ Doon Area
The proposed elimination of Route 32 will remove service from Windermere and Doon. To maintain transit access an extension of Route 40 to Western University via Windermere and Doon is proposed to service the area while also providing a one-bus service to Western University for residents in Northridge and Grenfell. The proposed Route 40 would create more cohesive route ridership patterns on Windermere and Doon as compared to the current Route 32.
Northridge/ Grenfell/ Ambleside/ Plane Tree Area
The proposed routing changes on Route 34, to service the Richmond and Sunningdale area, and Route 40 to service Doon Drive and the Grenfell neighbourhoods, provide service to a new growth area (Richmond & Sunningdale), maintain service coverage resulting from the proposed Route 32 changes, and better aligns transit service with ridership demand.
The neighbourhood north of Fanshawe Park and west of Richmond and the development node at Richmond and Sunningdale are currently outside of the 400 meter service coverage area. There has been significant development in recent years to warrant transit service. Support for the proposal was extensive during the public consultation process with minimal opposition, confirming demand. Extending Route 34 to this area will provide one-bus service to Masonville Place and Western University.
Finally, both Route 25 and 34 currently operate in mixed conditions – part of the routes serve high ridership arterial roads and other parts serve lower ridership neighbourhoods. The goal with the routing modifications is to separate the low and high ridership natures of the routes: Route 34 and 40 will remain in the low-ridership neighbourhoods while Route 25 will serve the rapidly growing ridership between Fanshawe College and Masonville along Fanshawe Park Road. Modifying the routing in this way better aligns service with demand.
Route 25 has had rapid ridership growth since the extension to Masonville in the fall of 2017. There have been overcrowding concerns on weekday afternoons and the ridership on Sunday justifies more frequent service than the current 60 minutes.
Impacts:
Whitehills
The two alternative routing changes in Whitehills will have some impacts on passengers who currently have a one-bus ride to their destination. Passengers on Aldersbrook that currently have Route 9 service may lose direct downtown transit service while gaining direct University service. Passengers on Limberlost will lose direct service to the Hyde Park Power Centre and either Western University or Downtown. Regardless of the alternative chosen, the overall impact is not expected to be significant as there are many transfer opportunities along Sarnia and Western Roads.
In both alternatives, service through the Orchard Park neighbourhood would be removed, leaving a small section of the area more than 400 meters to transit stop.
In both alternatives, there is a loss of transit service on Aldersbrook Road east of Aldersbrook Gate; however, there are only 30 daily riders who currently board or alight in this area and the majority will be within 400 metres of the proposed Route 9 stops.
The only impact to the separation of Route 19 and 31 are to passengers who travel through at the Hyde Park Power Centre. The lack of directness suggests few passengers make use of this routing, while the proposed interline of Route 19 and 39 (more details below) is expected to produce many more through riders and be a greater benefit to the overall transit network.
The elimination of the Route 31/32 interline would remove a direct connection between the Hyde Park Centre/Aldersbrook Road and Kipps Ln/Huron & Highbury. While the current 31/32 routing provides a direct connection between the Power Centre and East London on average it is faster to connect with Route 38/39 along Fanshawe Park Road between the two areas. Ridership productivity and growth as a whole is projected to increase with the changes.
Kipps Lane/ Huron Street/ Windermere/ Doon Area
Current passengers on Routes 31 and 32 who are destined for University Hospital would require either a transfer or approximately a 700 meter travel distance. Also, Montcalm Secondary would no longer be served by Route 32.
Windermere Road and Doon Drive will see a service reduction. Currently, the area has 30 minute service which is recommended to be reduced to 45 minutes resulting in an average wait increase of 7.5 minutes. These passengers still maintain direct service to Western University. The proposed service will more closely align service delivery with ridership demand.
Finally, the routing modification will reduce service on Huron between Adelaide and Barker and on Fuller St. with the removal of Routes 27 and 32 and Route 32 respectively. Both areas will see service reduced to better match ridership demand.
Northridge/Grenfell/Ambleside/Plane Tree Area
Passengers on Route 25 that currently travel through the Phillbrook/Grenfell neighbourhood will benefit from the route operating more directly on Fanshawe Park Road. Additionally, the more direct route eliminates the need to invest approximately 500 annual service hours to maintain schedule adherence during the PM peak period.
Passengers in the Grenfell/Phillbrook area would see a reduction in service during daytime periods from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. This area currently has low ridership productivity while the remainder of the route is high.
The impact for passengers travelling to Masonville from this area would only be the additional wait time experienced due to the frequency reduction (average additional 7.5 minutes). Some of these passengers are ultimately destined for Western University and with the proposed routing change to Route 40 will provide one bus service to Western mitigating the impacts of the frequency reduction.
The impact to Grenfell/Phillbrook passengers travelling east would now require a transfer or a long travel distance to the more direct Route 25.
There are three areas that will see greatly improved service. The Northridge neighbourhood currently served by Route 40, Ambleside currently served by Route 34, and the currently unserviced area of Plane Tree and Richmond and Sunningdale will all see two-way service connecting to Masonville Place and Western University.
The proposed routing changes provide direct service to the high ridership areas, Route 25, while maintaining service coverage in the lower ridership areas (Route 34 and 40).
Route 34 service would be removed from Richmond St. and Western Rd. between Masonville and Ambleside Dr. Some University students have expressed concern that this would impair their travel between the Masonville area and the southern end of Western University campus. However, the introduction of Route 93 would improve travel on this corridor with increased frequency, faster travel time and comparable stop locations. Route 10 and 13 would also continue to connect Masonville to the University.
Frequency
Route 9 Alternative 1 (recommended changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 22 | 32 |
| Existing Headway | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 30 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | AM Peak | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 32 | 23 | 25 | 32 | 30 |
| Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 33 | 23 | 30 |
| Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Route 9 Alternative 2 (recommended changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 25 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 35 |
| Existing Headway | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 30 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | AM Peak | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 35 | 25 | 25 | 40 | 35 |
| Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 35 | 40 | 33 |
| Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Route 31 Alternative 1 (recommended changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 48 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 55 | 48 |
| Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 50 | 25 | 27 | 52 | 48 |
| Existing Headway | 35 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Route 31 Alternative 2 (recommended changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 20 | 18 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 40 |
| Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 40 | 22 | 22 | 42 | 40 |
| Existing Headway | 35 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 40 | 22 | 40 |
| Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Route 25
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 60 | 27 | 60 |
| Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Route 27/29
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 40 | 13 (18) | 13 (18) | 11 (17) | 17 (23) | 27 |
| Existing 27 Headway | – | 15 (20) | 15 (20) | 15 (20) | 20 | – |
| Existing 29 Headway | – | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Existing 32 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 43 | 47 | 25 (30) | 28 | 40 |
| Existing 27 Headway | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | – |
| Existing 29 Headway | – | 35 | 35 | 35 | – |
| Existing 32 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 43 | 32 | 28 |
| Existing 27 Headway | – | – | – | – |
| Existing 29 Headway | – | – | 35 | 35 |
| Existing 32 Headway | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Route 34/ 40 (recommended changes shown in bold)
The proposed routing for Route 34 and 40 will operate two-way service along the route. Currently, much of the neighbourhood service on Route 34 and 40 is one-way service. Two-way service operating on a 45 minute headway will provide more service to these neighbourhoods than one-way service operating on a 30 minute headway.
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 60 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 34 Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 40 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 60 | 40 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 34 Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 40 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 34 Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Existing 40 Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Route 9 – Modify routing in Whitehills; eliminate interline with Route 6; add buses to improve reliability | 3,680 | 1,230 | 1 |
| Route 25 – Modify routing to operate directly along Fanshawe Park Rd.; increase frequency on Weekday afternoons | 760 | 250 | 1 |
| Route 25 – Increase frequency on Sunday afternoons | 250 | 90 | 0 |
| Interline Routes 27 and 29 – operating on Huron St. and University Dr.; minor frequency and span of service improvements; summer & December holiday service reductions | 12,820 | 4,270 | 4 |
| Route 31- Modify routing in Whitehills; eliminate interline with Route 19 and 32 | -40 | -10 | 0 |
| Eliminate Route 32 | -9,020 | -3010 | -2 |
| Modify Route 34 and 40 and operate at 45-minute peak frequency and 60-minute off-peak frequency; extend Route 34 service north of Fanshawe Park Rd. to Richmond and Sunningdale; Modify Route 40 to serve Doon, Windermere Grenfell and Phillbrook | 5,040 | 1,680 | 1 |
| Total | 13,490 | 4,500 | 5 |
Public Feedback:
Whitehills
52% of the survey respondents did not support the changes in Whitehills. The majority of the concerns surrounded the loss of direct connections, to Western University along Limberlost and to Downtown along Aldersbrook. As such further public consultation will be held to allow residents to comment on two routing options through the neighbourhood. Details of the final recommended routing alignment through Whitehills will be presented at the March 2019 Commission meeting.
The recommended extension to Fanshawe Park Rd. and Wonderland Rd. N had broad support. Support was also largely positive for the recommended change to Blackacres Blvd service.
Kipps Lane/ Huron Street/ Windermere/ Doon Area
The majority of respondents did not support the proposed Route 14 and 32 routing modifications in the draft plan, due to the loss of direct service from Kipps Lane to Western University. A large group of homeowners were also opposed to the changes. Homeowners on Briarhill Ave. were concerned about property values, safety and traffic due to the proposed introduction of two-way transit service. Homeowners on Preston St. and Hillcrest Ave. had similar concerns due to the proposed introduction of Route 32 service. Riders travelling between Huron St. and Western University were the most supportive of the changes.
Feedback was largely supportive of the route modification in the Doon/Windermere area. Those that did not support the recommended changes were opposed to the loss of direct service to Kipps Ln. and Huron St. as well as the decreased frequency.
Northridge/ Grenfell/ Ambleside/ Plane Tree Area
The recommended changes to the 25, 34 and 40 had 65% support in the online survey.
Some homeowners in the Plane Tree neighbourhood were concerned about the introduction of transit service on property values, safety and traffic. However, 74% of survey respondents were supportive of the recommended service. Those in support were mostly parents of high school and post-secondary students.
The largest criticism of the draft plan came from Fanshawe students in the Grenfell area who would lose a direct bus connection. In contrast, Western students were supportive of a re-instated direct university service. University service in conjunction with the introduction of two-way service made the changes very popular in the Northridge area. The introduction of two-way service was likewise supported in Ambleside.
Route 34 service would be removed from Richmond St. and Western Rd. between Masonville and Ambleside Dr. Some University students expressed concern that this would impair their travel between the Masonville area and the southern end of Western University campus. However, the introduction of Route 93 would improve travel on this corridor with increased frequency, faster travel time and comparable stop locations. Route 10 and 13 would also continue to connect Masonville to the University.
Route 10
Recommended Service Changes:
- Modify routing south of Southdale Road to operate on Wellington instead of Montgomery, see Figure IX.
Issue/Rationale:
In the south end, Route 10 currently operates on Montgomery Rd., which is a parallel to Wellington, 150 metres to the west. An opportunity exists to operate Route 10 on Wellington between Southdale and White Oaks Mall to improve transfer connections, make the route more direct, and improve passenger access to the commercial stretch on Wellington Road. Additionally, by removing stops on Montgomery, amenities such as shelters can be redistributed.
Impacts:
The change from Montgomery to Wellington would subtly decrease access to Jalna Blvd. and the commercial strip between Montgomery and Wellington. This area would retain extensive service coverage and overall the change would be a benefit to the transit network.
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify routing to operate on Wellington instead of Montgomery | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
A significant majority of respondents supported this routing modification. The minority was opposed to decreases in transit access to Jalna Blvd. and concerns that the recommended routing would be slower in peak periods. The recommended routing is projected to be comparable in time travel to the current routing during peak periods and faster during base and off-peak periods.
Route 16, 24, & 92
Recommended Service Changes:
- Route 16 – Modify routing to remove service to Victoria Hospital, eliminate branch routing in south end, and operate turnaround on Deveron Cres in Pond Mills, see Figure X.
- Route 16 – Increase frequency at all time periods except weekend mornings and evenings
- Route 24 – Modify routing to shorten the Talbot Village loop, operate on Commissioners instead of Base Line Road between Wharncliffe and Wellington, and extend to Summerside in the east, see Figure X.
- Route 24 – Improve frequency at all time periods except weekday peak periods, decrease frequency during weekday peak periods; introduce service on Sundays
- Extend weekday evening service until 8:30 pm
- Route 92 – Eliminate base period service and reduce frequency during weekday peak periods
Issue/Rationale:
Route 16’s deviation to Victoria Hospital in both directions has added travel time for thru passengers and reduced the route’s productivity. There has been limited uptake in passengers accessing the hospital.
The productivity in the A and B branches, through Pond Mills and Summerside respectively, is also poor and ridership is low, especially in off-peak periods.
Route 16 north of Commissioners, without the hospital deviation, operates well above the minimum boardings per revenue-vehicle-hour. There is an opportunity to improve service where it’s needed (north of Commissioners) while reducing service to better match demand (through the neighbourhoods).
Route 24 has low productivity on the entire route and most notably through the Talbot Village area. Shorter routing through the neighbourhood is justified to help right-size the system.
Additionally, there have been continued requests to have an east-west route on Commissioners that would offer a direct connection between Wellington and Wonderland.
Currently the productivity on Route 24 and Route 16B in Summerside is very similar, as such, it is recommended that Route 24 be extended east on Commissioners to Summerside to replace the service currently provided by Route 16B.
Route 16 is recommended to operate on a shortened loop through the Pond Mills neighbourhood where the 16A branch currently operates. The counter-clockwise loop on Pond Mills Rd and Deveron Cres., minimizes travel time in a low ridership area while maintaining necessary service coverage. The loop direction improves access to the high ridership on the north side of Commissioners Rd E. between Pond Mills Rd. and Deveron Cres.
In the Draft Plan, Route 24 was proposed to operate until 7pm. In response to significant concern regarding the loss of evening service in Summerside, service hours are recommended to be extended to 8:30pm on weekdays.
Finally, Route 92’s productivity is just above the minimum threshold for express routes and is not seeing ridership growth at the same rate as Route 90 or 91. A reduction in frequency and operating hours would improve productivity and allow for reinvestment of those hours into Routes 16 and 24.
Impacts:
Passengers on the Adelaide corridor north of Commissioners would see similar or improved frequency at all time periods except weekday early morning periods (before 7am) and weekdays between 9am and noon. Significant frequency improvements are proposed during weekday peak periods, Saturdays between 12pm and 6pm, and Sundays between 12pm and 6pm.
Along the current 16A branch through Pond Mills, some passengers would require further travel to transit, and others would receive increased frequency.
In Summerside, where the 16B currently services, the most significant change for passengers would be span of service. Summerside would no longer have service after 8:30pm on weekdays, before 8am and after 6pm on Saturdays, and before 10am and after 5pm on Sundays. The frequency on Sundays would be an improvement for Summerside from 60 minutes to 40 minutes. While the proposed change will impact some passengers, the recommendations better match service with demand.
In Talbot Village, the impacts of removing service on Settlement Trail and Pack Road would be minimal as there is limited ridership along the portion of the route that will be eliminated. Transit access would improve for residents in the townhouses along Raleigh. Talbot Village will gain service on Sundays.
Finally, passengers on Base Line Road between Wellington and Cathcart would no longer have service; however, the majority of residents remain well within the 400 metre walking distance to a transit stop. The remaining Route 24 passengers would see new Sunday service, increased weekday midday service (from 60 to 40 minutes) and a slight decrease in weekday peak period service (35 to 40 minutes).
Frequency (proposed changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base AM | Base Noon | PM Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 16 – Recommended Headway | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 20 | 25 |
| 16 – Existing Headway | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 |
| 24 – Recommended Headway | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | – |
| 24 – Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 60 | 60 | 35 | 35 | 35 | – |
| 92 – Recommended Headway | – | 22 | – | 32 | 25 | 25 | 32 | – |
| 92 – Existing Headway | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 20 | – |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base AM | Peak AM | Peak Noon | Peak PM | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 16 – Recommended Headway | 25 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| 16 – Existing Headway | 30 | 25 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 |
| 24 – Recommended Headway | – | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | – | – |
| 24 – Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | – | – |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base AM | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 16 – Recommended Headway | 60 | 33 | 23 | 30 | 30 |
| 16 – Existing Headway | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| 24 – Recommended Headway | – | 35 | 40 | – | – |
| 24 – Existing Headway | – | – | – | – | – |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Route 16 – Modify route to eliminate branch routing and deviation to Victoria Hospital. Increase frequency at many time periods | 2,060 | 690 | 1 |
| Route 24 – Modify route to operate on Commissioners to Summerside, truncate Talbot Village routing; Introduce Sunday service | 2,220 | 870 | 0 |
| Route 92 – Weekday – Eliminate base period service and reduce peak period frequency | -4,540 | -1510 | -1 |
| Total | -260 | 50 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
The majority of feedback did not support the changes to Routes 16, 24 and 92 in the Draft Plan. These results were predominately from the Summerside neighbourhood where there was near universal opposition. This was to be expected as the proposed changes reduced service hours to the area in an effort to better match service to ridership. However, the extent of the response was not expected. The principal concern was the loss of service hours, particularly during weekday evenings. A secondary complaint was the loss of direct service to H.B. Beal Secondary School and Catholic Central High School. The concerns regarding loss of service hours have been addressed by recommending weekday service operate until 8:30 pm. This addresses the concern of students being able to access the Summerside neighbourhood in the evening while still matching service with demand.
Generally, those outside of the Summerside area were supportive of the extension of Route 24 on Commissioners. This includes feedback from the Pond Mills area where there was support for the significant frequency increase and more diverse travel options.
In Talbot Village, riders voiced support for the introduction of Sunday service. Less than 10 people were concerned regarding the move of service from Settlement Trail to Raleigh Blvd.
The loss of Route 16’s Victoria Hospital deviation was another element of the draft plan that was opposed by the majority of respondents (65%) however Route 24 would provide the connection to the hospital from Summerside and Route 92 would continue to provide the connection along the Adelaide corridor.
Route 19, 38, 39
Recommended Service Changes:
- Interline Route 19 with Route 38/39, see Figure XI
- Route 38/ 39 – Modify routing to avoid the Masonville Terminal and remain on Fanshawe Park Rd.; minor frequency changes, see Figure XII and table below
- Route 38/ 39 – Extend service one hour later on weekdays, five hours later on Saturdays, and two hours later on Sundays
Issue/Rationale:
Route 19 and 39 provide a similar level of service as they operate directly on arterial roads, serve a rapidly developing area, and have similar ridership and service hours. Interlining these routes provides a better service match than the existing 19/ 31/ 32 interline. It also provides one bus connection to travel between Masonville Place and Hyde Park and Oxford.
With the recommended introduction of Route 93 Express to the Masonville Terminal, concerns regarding insufficient space at the Terminal were raised through London Transit’s Planning and Scheduling Committee. To address these concerns, reduce travel time, increase frequency and improve ridership productivity, Route 38/39 is recommended not to directly serve the Masonville Terminal. Instead, the Route would remain on Fanshawe Park Rd.
Currently the span of service on Routes 19 and 38/39 do not match. It is proposed to extend service during all time periods to match the longest service day. The new interlined route would operate between 6:30am and 11:00pm on weekdays, between 8:30am and 10:45pm on Saturdays, and between 9:00am and 8:00pm on Sundays.
Finally, all three affected routes have been rapidly growing in ridership; in three years from 2015 to 2018, ridership increased 52%. Additionally, there are schedule pressures during the afternoon rush hour that can be addressed through the routing modification, increasing frequency and round trip time.
Impacts:
The route modification for Route 38/39 would negatively impact transfer connections with other routes at Masonville. Travel distances between transfers would increase from 70 meters to 250 meters. However, this is offset by the time travel savings for the Route and the benefits of alleviating congestion at the terminal.
Frequency (proposed changes shown in bold)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base AM | Base Noon | PM Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 19 – Recommended Headway | 33 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 35 | 47 |
| 19 – Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| 38/39 – Recommended Headway | 33 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 35 | 47 |
| 38/39 – Existing Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base AM | Peak AM | Peak Noon | Peak PM | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 19 – Recommended Headway | – | 47 | 32 | 35 | 27 | 52 | 47 |
| 19 – Existing Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 |
| 38/39 – Recommended Headway | – | 47 | 32 | 35 | 27 | 52 | 47 |
| 38/39 – Existing Headway | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – | – |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base AM | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| 19 – Recommended Headway | – | 47 | 50 | 48 | – |
| 19 – Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 | – |
| 38/39 – Recommended Headway | – | 47 | 50 | 48 | – |
| 38/39 – Existing Headway | – | 60 | 60 | – | – |
The increased span of service and frequency will help continue the ridership increase on these routes.
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Interline Route 19, 38 and 39; remove Route 38/39 deviation to Masonville Terminal; increase span of service and make minor frequency changes | -70 | -20 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
The limited feedback provided on the proposed Route 19/38/39 interline was generally positive.
Route 26 / 93
Recommended Service Changes:
- Eliminate Route 26
- Introduce new local/ express Route 93, see Figure XII
Issue/Rationale:
Wharncliffe Road is notably missing a direct north-south route connecting major destinations in the north (Masonville, Western University) with the dense corridor of Wharncliffe Road in the south. A direct route would also reduce the need to transfer downtown for many in the south end travelling to the north. The plan for an express route on Wharncliffe Road is part of the original Post-2019 Rapid Transit Implementation Framework Plan.
The proposed Route 93 would be a combined local and express Route. The route would service as an express between Masonville Place and Commissioners along Western/ Wharncliffe with limited stops at high ridership locations. Proposed express stop locations are:
- Masonville Place
- Riverside & Wharncliffe
- Wharncliffe & Oxford
- Western & Sarnia
- Wharncliffe & Base Line or Commissioners
It should be noted that further assessment through the express stop warrant system and public feedback will be conducted before final implementation.
South of Commissioners the route would operate along the current Route 26 alignment to provide local service to the Cleardale and White Oaks neighbourhoods, stopping at all the current Route 26 locations.
In November 2018, schedule adherence concerns on Route 26 were addressed by decreasing frequency. However, ridership on the Route justifies frequency increases. To match the significant projected ridership demand on the express portion of Route 93 and to provide a higher quality express service, headways are recommended that would be an increase in frequency over the existing Route 26.
One of the additional benefits of introducing Route 93 is increasing the capacity between Masonville Place and Western University. With the proposed changes to Route 34 removing southbound service between Masonville and Western, Route 93 can offset the reduction.
Impacts:
Passengers who currently use Route 26 to travel downtown would have to transfer to reach their destination. There are many locations and routes to complete this transfer: Routes 11, 12, & 15 on Wharncliffe Road; Route 5 at Horton; Routes 2, 9, 19, 20, & 102 at Riverside.
Providing a fast and direct option for passengers to travel north and south on Wharncliffe and Western Road will shift ridership from other overcrowded routes. The proposed change is anticipated to be very positive for the overall network.
Frequency (Proposed changes are shown in bold, spring/ summer in brackets)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 26 | 36 |
| Existing 26 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Saturday Time Period | Early AM | Base | AM Peak | PM Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | 36 | 36 | 36 | 26 | 38 | 36 |
| Existing 26 Headway | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Sunday Time Period | Early AM | Base | Peak | Early Evening | Late Evening |
| Recommended Headway | – | 35 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
| Existing 26 Headway | – | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Eliminate Route 26 | -11,150 | -3,720 | -3 |
| Introduce Route 93 | 18,040 | 6,010 | 4 |
| Total | 6,890 | 2,290 | 1 |
Public Feedback:
The Route 26/93 changes elicited the second highest rate of feedback during the consultation process. While numerous responses were received that did not support the changes or were concerned about the loss of direct service to downtown, 59% of respondents in the online survey supported replacing Route 26 with Route 93. Of those that supported the change, people were most supportive about the elimination of transfers and faster service from the Blackfriars area to Masonville, South London and White Oaks. There was also support for faster service to Western University. This feedback supports projections that indicated the change in routing will increase ridership productivity, reduce overall passenger travel time and generate ridership growth. Those that expressed concerns with the proposed changes largely surrounded the loss of direct service to downtown from the White Oaks area and concerns with transferring to complete their trip. There were also some concerns with regard to having limited stops along Wharncliffe Road and the impact this may have on travel with respect to increased walking to destinations.
Route 28
Recommended Service Changes:
- Modify route to operate between Lambeth and White Oaks Mall via Exeter, White Oak Road and Bradley, see Figure XIII.
- Weekday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 40 minutes
Issue/ Rationale:
Route 28 has consistently been an underperforming route with respect to ridership productivity, which is well below the minimum standard of 20 boardings per revenue vehicle hour on local routes. Since 2014 ridership on Route 28 has declined from 13 boarding per revenue vehicle hour in 2014 to 11 boardings per revenue vehicle hour in 2018, noting there was a significant decline in ridership in 2016 (7 boardings per revenue vehicle hour).
An opportunity exists to provide transit service to a business park and industrial area that are currently outside the 400 meter service coverage area. Both the Meadowbrook Business Park and White Oak Road industrial area were part of the Industrial Service Strategy discussions and it is anticipated that this area has the greatest potential to meet minimum productivity standards with a conventional transit service. Route 28 operates on weekdays during peak periods which aligns well with the shift times of the employers.
Impacts:
Passengers travelling between Lambeth and the Westmount area would have to transfer to reach their destination. Travel time between these areas will increase.
Frequency (Proposed changes are shown in bold, spring/ summer in brackets)
| Weekday Time Period | Early AM | AM Peak | Base | PM Peak |
| Recommended Headway | 40 | 40 | – | 40 |
| Existing 26 Headway | 30 | 30 | – | 30 |
Service Hours
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify route to White Oaks Mall; reduce frequency | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
Feedback to the recommended Route 28 was limited and generally supportive. Support was largely from the employment areas on Exeter Rd. and White Oak Rd. Opposition was due to the loss of direct service to Westmount area and Saunders Secondary School. Several respondents requested improving transfers at Wharncliffe and Wonderland to ensure better Lambeth/Westmount service.
Route 33
Recommended Service Changes:
- Modify route to operate two-way service on Proudfoot all-day, see Figure XIV.
- Weekday – Decrease afternoon frequency from 13 to 15 minutes between 1pm and 6pm. (fall/ winter only)
- Weekday – Increase morning frequency from 17 to 13 minutes between 7am and 1pm. (fall/ winter only)
Issue/Rationale:
Route 33 currently operates different routing in the AM and PM through the Proudfoot area. This adds unnecessary confusion to the route. By investing in the morning period, the route can operate two-way service all-day while maintaining convenient service frequency. Two-way service provides passengers in Proudfoot with the ability to travel directly to Western University or Oxford and Wonderland during all service periods.
Additionally, Route 33 is one of the most productive routes in the system and adding frequency would increase capacity.
Public Feedback:
Feedback on the recommended changes was exclusively positive.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Modify routing; decrease afternoon frequency from 13 to 15 minutes (fall/ winter only) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Increase weekday morning frequency from 17 to 13 minutes (fall/ winter only) | 1,010 | 500 | 0 |
Route 56
Recommended Service Changes:
- Introduce a new Community Bus service on Wednesday in Berkshire Village/ Base Line Road area to Food Basics (Wonderland & Commissioners), Giant Tiger (Southdale & Montgomery) and White Oaks Mall. (To be implemented April 28, 2019)
Issue/Rationale:
In public consultation for the 2018 Service Plan, there was repeated feedback from passengers that lived in the Base Line Road (West of Wharncliffe) and Berkshire Village area who were affected by the removal of Route 23. Through a review of 2016 census data, there is a very high population of residents in this area that match the demographic that typically utilize a community bus service and would benefit from the introduction of same.
Service is recommended to operate between 10 am and 2 pm on Wednesdays.
The following residential buildings will be served:
- 30 Base Line Rd W.
- 90 Base Line Rd W.
- 285 Base Line Rd W.
- 297/301 Base Line Rd W.
- 303 Commissioners Rd W.
- 331 Commissioners Rd W.
- 500 Berkshire Dr.
- 550 Berkshire Dr.
The residential and commercial buildings served and day of operation were informed through the public consultation process.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Introduce Route 56, one day a week | 210 | 70 | 0 |
Public Feedback
The design of the Community Bus service, including where and when to operate, was developed through input from the Base Line/Berkshire Village residents. The overwhelming consensus was to operate the service on Wednesdays and to provide service to White Oaks Mall.
Routes 2, 6, 10, 29 and 102 – Oxford Drive
Recommended Service Changes:
- Eliminate evening-only routing on Oxford Drive to continue service along Western Road from Natural Science during all time periods
Issue/Rationale:
The rationale for using Oxford Drive in the evenings was to promote student safety by offering bus stops closer to campus buildings. The Western University campus has changed in recent years with Oxford Drive becoming predominantly a pedestrian-only street and the campus developing more along Western Road. For these reasons, and to simplify the routes, the proposed routing modification would maintain the routing on Western Road all day long and avoid using Oxford Drive on campus.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Remove evening service from Oxford Drive | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
The majority of feedback on the removal of service from Oxford Dr. was supportive. Respondents liked that the changes would provide consistency and travel time savings. Those that were opposed to the changes were concern about safety and increased distances.
Frequency and Span of Service Changes
Route 15/ 21
Recommended Service Changes:
- Reduce frequency from 15 minutes to 16 minutes on weekdays between 7 and 9 am.
Issue/Rationale:
There are existing schedule adherence concerns on Route 15/21 during this time period that can be addressed by altering the frequency slightly without requiring service hour investment. Vehicle capacity and productivity are not anticipated to be impacted by the change.
Impacts:
There would be a very minimal additional wait time for passengers; and the route would operate more reliably overall.
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Weekdays – reduce frequency in the AM peak period | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Public Feedback
Limited public feedback was received regarding the recommended change with those that did respond concerned about the slight decrease in frequency.
Route 30
Recommended Service Changes:
- Weekday – Provide two late evening trips to coincide with shift times
Issue/Rationale:
As part of the Industrial Service Strategy, late evening service was identified as a need in the Wilton Grove area to provide an opportunity for employees starting or finishing shifts after the current service ends to utilize transit.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Introduce two weekday late evening trips | 340 | 110 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
No feedback was received.
Route 106
Recommended Service Changes:
- (Fall/Winter Only) Weekday – Increase frequency from 10 minutes to 8 minutes between 8:30 am and 10:30 am.
Issue/Rationale:
Currently, Route 106 experiences overcrowding issues in the morning period travelling toward Western University. With the proposed rerouting of Route 6 to no longer service Natural Science, these pressures are anticipated to increase. Increasing the frequency on Route 106 will help to alleviate overcrowding issues.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Weekday – Increase frequency from 10 to 8 minutes between 8:30am and 10:30am | 340 | 170 | 0 |
Public Feedback:
Feedback was supportive; however, some respondents were concerned that the increased frequency was insufficient.
Multiple Routes – Service Reductions
Recommended All Year Service Changes:
- Route 4 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 40 minutes before 7am
- Route 10/14 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 35 minutes before 8am
- Route 12 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 20 to 30 minutes between 7 and 9am
- Route 12 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 20 to 25 minutes between 3 and 6pm
- Route 12 – Sunday – Eliminate service between 9:30 and 11:00pm
- Route 12 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 50 minutes between 8 and 10am
- Route 12 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 60 minutes between 10am and 12pm
- Route 12 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 50 minutes between 6 and 9pm
- Route 13 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 15 to 16 minutes between 8 and 10am
- Route 15/21 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 15 to 20 minutes before 7am
- Route 15/21 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 35 minutes between 6 and 8am
- Route 16 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 35 minutes before 8am
- Route 25 – Saturday – Eliminate service before 8am
- Route 25 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 55 minutes between 8 and 10am
- Route 35 – Weekday – Eliminate service before 7am
- Route 35 – Weekday – Eliminate service between 9:00 and 9:30pm
- Route 35 – Saturday – Eliminate service before 8:00am
- Route 35 – Saturday – Eliminate service between 8 and 9pm
- Route 35 – Sunday – Eliminate service between 9am and 12pm
- Route 104 – Weekday – Eliminate service between 6:30 and 7:15am
- Route 104 – Saturday – Eliminate service between 8 and 10am
- Route 106 – Weekday – Eliminate service between 6 and 7am
Recommended spring/summer Service Changes:
- Route 4 – Saturday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 40 minutes before 8am
- Route 4 – Sunday – Reduce frequency from 30 to 35 minutes between 9:45 and 11:00pm
- Route 10/14 – Saturday – Reduce round trip time between 10am and 11am (same frequency)
- Route 33 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 20 to 35 minutes between 7am and 6pm
- Route 35 – Saturday – Eliminate service between 8 and 10am
- Route 90 – Weekday – Reduce frequency from 15 to 20 minutes between 7:00 and 7:30am
Recommended Statutory Holiday Service Changes:
- Route 90 – Eliminate service
- Route 91 – Eliminate service
- Route 102/106 – Eliminate service
Issue/Rationale:
The Route Structure and Service Guidelines Review described minimum thresholds of productivity at which service should be reviewed for possible reductions or eliminations. Based on these guidelines, the proposed changes will better align service with ridership demand.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Service reductions | -5,410 | -1,570 | -1 |
Public Feedback:
As expected, feedback was almost exclusively opposed to the proposed service reductions. Opposition to specific reductions aligned closely with route ridership and had little correlation to the actual impact on service. One notable exception was opposition to the removal of the first weekday southbound Route 25 trip. Respondents were concerned about the ability to reach the airport industrial area in time for shift start times. As a result, early AM service will be maintained on Route 25 to ensure connections to the Industrial area and the Airport.
Multiple Routes – No cost frequency improvements
Recommended Service Changes:
- Route 25 – Saturday – Increase frequency from 60 to 55 minutes after 9pm
- Route 91 – Weekday – Increase frequency from 20 to 18 minutes between 12 and 2pm
Issue/Rationale:
Increasing frequency where travel time allows without requiring investment is a no-cost method to improve service.
Public Feedback
Limited feedback was received regarding the increased frequency on Routes 25 and 91, however all feedback was positive.
Schedule Adherence Changes
Multiple Routes – Service to Improve Schedule Adherence
Recommended Service Changes:
- Route 2 – Saturday – Add a bus between 10 am and 12 pm
- Route 4 – Saturday – Add a peak bus earlier between 12 and 1 pm
- Route 13 – Weekday – Add a bus between 9 pm and 12 am
- Route 13 – Saturday – Decrease frequency from 30 to 35 minutes between 6 and 8 am
- Route 13 – Saturday – Add a bus between 9 pm and 12 am
- Route 91 – Weekday – Decrease frequency from 15 to 17 minutes between 9 am and 12 pm
- Route 91 – Weekday – Decrease frequency from 15 to 16 minutes between 6:00 and 7:30 pm
Issue/Rationale:
Improving schedule reliability is a significant focus that requires service hour investment or frequency changes. The list of proposed changes accounts for routes and time periods with greatest need for change.
Impacts:
| Recommended Service Change | Annual Service Hour Impact | Service Hour Impact (2019) | PM Peak Buses |
| Additional service improve reliability | 1,070 | 360 | 0 |
Public Feedback
Limited feedback was received with all comments supporting improved reliability on all routes.