City Launches New Peterborough Transit Tool to Track Bus Locations

Peterborough Transit has soft-launched a new online tool to allow riders to track the location of their bus and plan their trips in real-time. 

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The tool provides bus locations, predicted arrival and departure information as well and service changes for all fixed route transit operations. 

“This is a key advancement to transit service in Peterborough,” said Councillor Keith Riel. “Knowing where your bus is before you leave home is a game changer for transit customers.” 

The new tool is available on the Peterborough Transit Routes and Schedules page and is tool is mobile-friendly, with full functionality on smartphones and tablets. Transit customers who don’t have access to the internet can call 705-745-0525 to find out the real-time location of their bus. 

“The Trip Planner will allow customers to ride with confidence, providing reliable, step-by-step navigation from one destination to another, anywhere within the route system in real-time or for planning trips in advance,” said Riel.

Route Information 

Users can search the site based on the route of a transit stop. The map shows the real-time location of the bus(es) and their travel direction. Users can set favourite routes within the tool for enhanced convenience. 

Trip Planner 

The Trip Planner enables transit customers to select a starting location and a destination and set a time and date to see the suggested route and predicted travel time. 

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Peterborough Transit Making Route Changes Beginning Sept. 3

Peterborough Transit is implementing route service changes beginning on Sept. 3, announced on Monday afternoon.

File Photo.

The changes will streamline some routes, improving efficiency and helping to ensure buses are on schedule according to a press release. It also accommodates seasonal transit when schools resume and businesses return to regular operation after the summer season.

Late-night service returns on Route 5 The Parkway and Route 6 Sherbrooke. Route 11 and 11A Water will resume weekday service. Peterborough Transit will continue using conventional and on-demand service on weeknights, Saturdays and statutory holidays.

The following are the route changes:

Route 4: Weller

• Route 4 Weller will travel to the Museum from Sherbrooke Street at Woodglade Boulevard via the Peterborough Terminal in the eastbound direction and the reverse in the westbound direction. There is a new bus stop on Glenforest Boulevard at Denure Drive in the westbound direction.

• Route 4 Weller will no longer be servicing the Chandler Crescent area. Route 9 Parkhill will now service this area.  

Route 5: The Parkway Southbound / Route 8 Monaghan Southbound

• Route 5 The Parkway and Route 8 Monaghan, in their southbound direction, will now be servicing new stops at the Shorelines Casino and the GO Transit park-and-ride lot on Fisher Drive. These currently service these stops in the northbound direction.

Route 6: Sherbrooke

• Route 6 Sherbrooke will now travel from Sherbrooke Street to Woodglade Boulevard, then to Kawartha Heights Boulevard, to Spillsbury Drive, to Fortye Gate, to Foryte Drive, to Stenson Boulevard, to Fleming College Way and the reverse in the eastbound direction.

• Route 6 Sherbrooke will no longer travel on Brealey Drive to Fleming College. Route 9 Parkhill will now service this area. 

Route 9: Parkhill

• Route 9 Parkhill will continue west on Parkhill Road to service Chandler Crescent. From Parkhill Road, the route will turn left onto Brealey Drive to Fleming College and then reverse in the opposite direction. There will be new bus stops in both directions on Brealey Drive at Glenforest Boulevard and on Brealey Drive at Ireland Drive. There will also be a new stop in the westbound direction at Chandler Crescent.

• Route 9 Parkhill will no longer travel from Parkhill Road to Ravenwood Drive to Glenforest Boulevard, to Woodglade Boulevard, to Kawartha Heights Boulevard, to Pillsbury Drive, to Fortye Gate, to Fortye Drive, to Stenson Boulevard and to Fleming College Way. Route 6 Sherbrooke will now service this area. 

Route 5: The Parkway

Evening weekday and Saturday Route 5A The Parkway trips will depart hourly:

• Southbound from the terminal to Fleming College between 8:02 p.m. and 11:02 p.m.

• Northbound from Fleming College to the Peterborough Terminal between 8:05 p.m. and 3:05 a.m.

Route 6: Sherbrooke

The weekday departure from Trent Bata at 7:40 p.m. will end at the Peterborough Terminal.

Evening weekday and Saturday trips will operate as follows:

• From Trent Bata to the terminal: Every 30 minutes from 8:10 p.m. to 11:10 p.m. and hourly from 11:10 p.m. to 2:10 a.m.

• From The terminal to Trent Bata: Every 30 minutes from 8:02 p.m. to 11:32 p.m.

• From The terminal to Trent Bata via Armour Rd and Trent Gzowski: Hourly from 8:32 p.m. to 2:32 a.m.

• From The terminal to Fleming College:  Hourly from 7:32 p.m. to 2:32 a.m.

• From Fleming College to the terminal: Hourly from 7:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

Route 11 and 11A: Water

Weekday service resumes following the summer break, providing direct service from Trent University to Traill College and the Peterborough Terminal.

Construction Detours 

Three major City of Peterborough infrastructure projects are ongoing into fall 2023, resulting in the ongoing Peterborough Transit detours listed below:  

• Lansdowne Street from Park to George: Out-of-service stops in both directions affecting Lansdowne Route 7A, Chemong Route 2, and Technology Route 10.

• Armour Road from Hunter Street to Clifton Street: Detour on Lansdowne Route 7A northbound trips via Rogers to Dufferin

• Parkhill Road to George Street: Detour on Parkhill Route 9 and Water Route 11A via McDonnel Street

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Eastside Transportation Study Review Open Until August 21

The City of Peterborough has posted the Eastside Transportation Study for an official review period from July 20 to Aug. 21.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The review is required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. City Council approved in principle the study recommendations on March 28.

The study assessed transportation infrastructure needs and priorities associated with development planned in the east portion of Peterborough. It will seek to provide recommendations for needed improvements to the roadway and active transportation network within and beyond the study area.

Generally, recommended improvements that were identified through the study include:

• Implementing the existing city-wide Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan and Transit Study recommendations

• Intersection modifications

• Improvements to Trent-Severn Waterway and Otonabee River crossings

• Road network expansion and realignment

The realignment of Ashburnham Drive between Maniece Avenue and Old Norwood Road/McFarlane Street and the replacement of the McFarlane Street bridge across the Trent-Severn Waterway were identified as priority projects according to a press release.

A more detailed study would be required for some of the recommended projects identified including budget approval for each project.

The study is available at connectptbo.ca/EastSideTS or can be viewed in hard copy at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

Comments can be sent to the study team by August 21:

• Robert Dunford, Transportation Planning Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1867, EastSideTS@peterborough.ca

• Vinod Soman, Transportation Senior Project Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1749, EastSideTS@peterborough.ca

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City Of Peterborough Posts Transportation Master Plan With Review Period Open Until Aug. 21

The Transportation Master Plan, now known as Move PTBO, has been posted for an official review period from July 20 to Aug. 21, announced by The City of Peterborough on Friday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The review is required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process as stated by The City. Council approved in principle the study recommendations on March 28.

The Plan is a long-range, strategic document to help guide the future of transportation city-wide according to a press release. It includes recommendations for the transportation network and an implementation strategy to support growth and mobility needs for the year 2051.

The study goals, as identified through extensive consultation in the development of the study are:

• Develop a well-rounded transportation system to support the growth and prosperity of the City

• Connect the City, regional and provincial transportation systems

• Encourage sustainable modes of travel and contribute to healthier and liveable communities

• Support the movement of people and goods through an efficient multi-modal system to meet all needs

The study is available online or can be viewed in hard copy at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

All comments during the study review period are added to the public record, excluding personal information. Written comments can be sent to:

• Vinod Soman, Transportation Senior Project Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1749, MovePTBO@peterborough.ca 

• Brett Sears, Senior Project Manager Transportation Planning and Science, WSP Canada Inc., 289-982-4751, MovePTBO@peterborough.ca

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26th Annual Transportation Day Car and Motorcycle Show is Coming to Lang Pioneer Village Museum in July

Lang Pioneer Village Museum invites the public to the 26th Annual Transportation Day Car and Motorcycle Show on Sunday, July 9 to witness a timeline of transportation from across Ontario.

photo courtesy of the Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Transportation enthusiasts will showcase their antique and classic cars and vintage motorcycles throughout the historic village from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Take a stroll through the village or hop on board a horse-drawn wagon ride, learn more about how transportation has changed over the years and the roles that various trades played in the creation of transportation methods.

Attendees can check out a variety of 19th-century modes of transportation such as sleighs, wagons and milk carts in the Transportation Barn. Stop by the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (PCAHB) to view a Via Rail display, and enjoy music from the 50s to 80s with DJ Del and Jenny Jams.

View an antique clock and timepiece collection in the Menie General Store and see a variety of historic demonstrations throughout the village; such as broom making, shingle making at the Shingle Mill, and grinding at the Lang Grist Mill. Kids can take part in some schoolyard games and make a craft at the Ayotte Cabin.

Demonstrators and visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast served while supplies last in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (additional fee applies).

The Keene Lions Club food truck will be onsite selling BBQ goods and there will be fresh Empire Cheese curd and bread available for purchase in the Cheese Factory. Haven Brewing Company will be also be at the event selling traditional European beers in the beer garden.

For those wishing to bring their vehicle to display, participant registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon with a $10 registration fee that includes admission into the village. The first 200 vehicles to enter will receive a complimentary dash plaque as a souvenir of their participation. Over 25 trophies will be awarded including the coveted People’s Choice and Lang’s Choice.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14). Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop, but advance purchase is not required. For more information, visit the website.

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PedalBoro Returns to the Peterborough Downtown Streets For the Season

The 15-seater PedalBoro bike is returning to Downtown Peterborough streets to tour the craft beer scene for another season, announced on Wednesday.

Roughly 60 per cent of PedalBoro goers were from out of town according to PEdalBoro. Photo courtesy of PedalBoro.

The cycling begins this weekend as PedalBoro will have cycling tours running from June until October.  The booking calendar is open as the party bike is available from Friday through Sunday for pub crawl tours, private parties as well as one-of-a-kind team building experiences according to a press release.

“As we embark on our third year in operations, we are opening this season with a real sense of purpose,” said Peter Rellinger, PedalBoro captain. “Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible people and places that make downtown Peterborough so unique. PedalBoro tours build connection and community pride back into our downtown core, add in a little dash of adventure and we are able to create this special sauce that can only really be experienced by bike.”

Last year, the unique bike aided in downtown spending with an average of 89 per cent of tour guests supporting core area restaurants, cafés and pubs before and after tours as stated in a press release.

“As our community continues to show its resiliency through economic hardship PedalBoro has an important role to play,” said Hillary Flood, ‘Party Pixie.’ “We are here to roll up our sleeves and do our part- and to do it with a bit of flair and a whole lot of razzmatazz.”

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Hometown PTBO: Scott Stewart On Bringing Passenger Flights to Peterborough Airport

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Scott Stewart, Blowes & Stewart Travel Group president about bringing passenger flights to the Peterborough Airport, being able to fly again last year after a three-year hiatus and how the company determines flight destinations.

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Roy Weirenga Becomes New CAO For Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario

Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO) has introduced Roy Wierenga as their Chief Administrative Officer beginning May 8, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Weirenga is bringing 35 years of student transportation experience to the position according to a press release.

The company is responsible for planning school bus routes for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir schools.

“I have always felt so fortunate and blessed to be able to work in a profession that supports students and education," said Wierenga. "When we do our jobs well in transportation, and students arrive safely and on time at school, this has such a positive impact on student success.”

The position is a bit of a homecoming since he began his career working in Peterborough for Trentway-Wagar Bus Lines and then as Manager of Transportation for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Weirenga was involved in the establishment of STSCO in 2005 before accepting a position with the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) as General Manager.

In the past decade, Wierenga has been employed with Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR), working with industry and government committees that examined changes for improving student transportation across Ontario.

“I am thrilled that my journey in student transportation has now brought me back home to Peterborough where my career started many years ago," said Wierenga. "I look forward to working with the team at STSCO, our member school boards and bus operators, to find solutions that will ensure a safe and sustainable transportation network for our students and school communities going into the future."

Wierenga will replace long-serving CAO Joel Sloggett, who will be retiring from STSCO after 18 years.

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Seasonal Changes to Peterborough Transit Routes Effective April 30

Peterborough Transit will implement seasonal changes to some of its routes beginning April 30.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Route 5 The Parkway

Weekday Southbound and Northbound routes will operate on hourly service from 7:45 p.m. until 11:35 p.m.On Sunday the last trip will depart at 7:35 p.m.Late night service will be suspended

Route 6 Sherbrooke

Westbound 7:22 a.m. trip will be cancelledWestbound and Eastbound will operate with regular 30-minute service from 7:40 p.m. to 11:50 p.m.Late night service will be suspended

Route 7 Lansdowne

The 7:50 a.m. trip from Willowcreek to Fleming will be suspended.Route 7 will follow the 7A seasonal route from May to October, via Ashburnham, the Lift Lock and Hunter.. Stops on Rogers Street between Maria Street and Hunter Street will continue to be served by Route 4 trips.

Route 10 Technology Drive

Afternoon service will be reinstated with trips from the terminal departing at 2:15 p.m., 2:50 p.m. and 3:25 p.m.

OnDemand/Pink Community Bus

Afternoon service from 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. will be suspended

Route 11 Water

Route 11 and 11A Water serving Trent University will be suspended

Stay up-to-date with service changes

Transit customers are encouraged to check route schedules and stay up-to-date with adjustments to Transit routes, including weather delays, service interruptions and cancellations:

Follow Peterborough Transit on Twitter: @ptbo_transit, or subscribe to text/SMS or email updates through MyBEAT.

Plan your trip with Google Maps or the Transit appVisit our service alerts webpage for real-time Twitter Timeline updates on peterborough.ca/TransitServiceAlerts

Customer service can be reached at 705-745-0525.

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Ontario’s Transportation Planning Survey Coming to Randomly Selected Households in Peterborough

Starting last fall and continuing this spring, approximately 1.4 million households in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and surrounding areas, including Peterborough, will be asked to take part in the Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS).

file photo.

The Transportation Tomorrow Survey is jointly undertaken by 25 funding agencies including the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), Metrolinx, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), and municipalities across the study area. Results from this survey will help local and regional governments, as well as the province and transit agencies, make transportation planning and investment decisions.

Randomly selected households will receive an official invitation letter informing them they have been selected to take part in the survey. The invitation letter will provide households with a secure access code and more information about the survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary. Households can participate by accessing the project website, or by calling the survey hotline at 1-877-216-7786.

Canadian-based research firm R. A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. will conduct the survey on behalf of the participating agencies. The study runs from the fall of 2022 until spring of 2023 and the results will be and released in 2024. The Transportation Tomorrow Survey has been administered every five years since 1986.

Survey questions will focus on trip information for each household member, including origin, destination, time, reason for travel, mode of transportation, as well as some basic demographic questions. Residents that did not make any trips can still participate in the survey, as this helps build a snapshot of the travel patterns of the population as a whole and ensures the survey reflects the make-up of the general population. All survey responses will remain anonymous and will be combined with other responses in order to identify travel patterns.

For more information, visit the link.

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