Belleville Transit

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September 3, 2024 – Belleville Transit makes route adjustments

Transit | Beginning next Tuesday, Sept. 3, Belleville Transit will be implementing a few minor changes to the new transit routes. The changes include:

Routes 1 and 7 will operate on a 40-minute service, instead of a 30-minute service, during peak times Monday to Friday. There are no changes to the weekend service.

Route 3X has been removed and will no longer be in service. Instead, a second bus has been added to Route 4. Removing the express route will provide a more balanced service to the riders along the routes. Two buses will continue to service Route 3.

As a result of rider feedback, Route 5A and 5B have been altered to provide service on Bridge Street East from Church Street to Bleeker Avenue.

These changes are designed to account for peak traffic volume throughout the day. A new rider’s guide and schedule will be printed and circulated shortly. In the meantime, riders are encouraged to download the Transit app to plan their trip.

Belleville transit schedule and map

Belleville-Transit-Map-2024 Download

Source: Belleville Transit Routes and Schedules

Belleville Transit implemented a new route system on May 6, 2024.

Residents are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the routes using the new interactive route map. This GIS-based tool allows users to view each new route, the stops along them and times of departure for each.

A printed brochure with the changes will also be available in the coming weeks and starting May 6, the Transit app and online Trip Planner will be updated with the new routes for easy trip planning.

Previous transit map

How were the new routes determined?

In 2023 a comprehensive public transportation study was conducted to identify inefficiencies in the system such as overlapping routes, hours of operation, frequency and capacity of service, as well as factors such as community growth and development in the city.

With the city continuing to grow and the demand for service increasing, the City of Belleville contracted HDR Inc. in 2023 through the Metrolinx Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI) to conduct an Operational Review of City of Belleville Transit System at a cost of $159,945.00 plus HST. This resulted in the Transit Master Plan, which was approved and adopted during the Aug. 28, 2023 Belleville City Council meeting.

City staff and HDR worked closely together to identify inefficiencies in the system such as overlapping routes, hours of operation, frequency and capacity of service, as well as factors such as community growth and development in the city.

Public engagement

As part of the project, Belleville received feedback from residents on the current transit system, how the service works for them and ways they feel it could be improved.

Online Survey: Ran Dec. 9 to Jan. 23, now closed.
Pop-up Transit Talks: This event took place Feb. 9, 2023. Thank you to all who attended.
Staff Meetings: Consultations with transit staff to gain input on the existing transit system, how the service worked for them and ways they felt it could be improved.
Employer Feedback: 130 businesses across the city also provided input to the consultation regarding employee needs and commuting patterns.

The study also involved a number of public engagement opportunities including a survey, pop-up events at the downtown terminal and Loyalist College, stakeholder meetings, and consultations with transit staff to gain input on the existing transit system, how the service worked for them and ways they felt it could be improved. 130 businesses across the city also provided input to the consultation regarding employee needs and commuting patterns.

Using this feedback and extensive research, 8 new routes were developed that would result in increased service times and improved delivery.

The City of Belleville recognizes the importance of an efficient and functioning transit system to best serve its residents

We feel this plan and new route system captures the concerns we heard throughout our engagement process while ensuring reliable and sustainable service for years to come. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank all of the residents and stakeholders who took time to provide their feedback throughout this project, and the project team for their great work implementing these findings.
Chair of the Transit Advisory Committee Councillor Kathryn Brown

Public response to the changes

Belleville has mixed residential areas throughout our city

I think it’s a bit of a disservice to the residents who are working hard for their homes to suggest that they’re low-income.
Councillor Kathryn Brown, chair of Belleville’s Transit Advisory Committee New Belleville bus routes an unnecessary detour, opponents say

Take action

For more information regarding the City of Belleville Transit Operational Review project, please contact Transit by email at [email protected]. For assistance planning your new route, visit our new Routes and Schedules webpage or call customer service at 613-962-1925.