Major changes coming to transit routes in the Sault

Beginning June 7, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is launching a major revision to its transit routes that it’s calling ‘Sault Loops.’ (Supplied)

Beginning June 7, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is launching a major revision to its transit routes that it’s calling ‘Sault Loops.’

“The redesigned system will improve stop frequency, reliability, and overall rider experience,” the city said in a news release.

The plan was approved by city council last November and an update to the new route system is headed to tonight’s city council meeting.

Sault Loops introduces four new routes: Citywide, Eastside, Hillside and Westside.

“This will result in more efficient transfers, reduced travel times, fewer service gaps during the day, and more frequent service with 15-minute intervals during peak periods and 30-minute intervals during evenings and weekends,” said the staff report on the plan.

“The existing OnDemand service will be replaced by the Sault Loops network, while the community bus service will remain unchanged.”

As part of the changes, on-demand weekend evening service will be discontinued and replaced with hourly fixed-route service.

“Recognizing the scale of this transition, staff have proactively implemented measures to support riders during the adjustment period,” the report said.

Drivers, staff have been trained

“Transit personnel will be strategically deployed at key locations throughout the launch to provide direct, on-the-ground assistance. While some initial challenges are anticipated with a system-wide change of this magnitude, the transition has been carefully planned to minimize disruption and support users at every stage.”

Drivers and support staff have been trained on the new system ahead of the changeover, while public works staff have installed new signage and removed old ones.

“Additional staff will be in place during the first week of implementation to provide enhanced operational oversight and customer support to assist passengers during the transition,” the report said.

More efficient, reliable service

Deputy CAO Brent Lamming said in the news release that the changes are the result of consultation and analysis on how to improve the system.

“We reviewed system performance, changing ridership patterns and community needs,” Lamming said in the news release.

“The Sault Loops system will deliver more efficient, reliable service while maintaining safety and affordability.”

With the new routes, officials said there will be more frequent service, with 15-minute daytime intervals between major destinations including downtown, Algoma University, Cambrian Mall, Walmart, and the Northern Transiter Hub at Sault College.

The goal is to offer improved reliability through adjusted schedules and departure time offsets and to reduce service gaps, particularly during 6 p.m. service.

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