The County of Prince Edward is partnering with a regional, non-profit transportation organization to deliver better routes and greater access to public transit for local residents.

The municipality is partnering with Quinte Access and, as of March 31, 2020, a number of new public transportation routes will be in effect.

“Expanding affordable transit is vital to ensure everyone in our community can realize their full potential,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “The municipality and its partners are committed to addressing this barrier that contributes to social isolation and impacts access to employment opportunities, food and other essential services.”

The municipality, The County Foundation and the Prince Edward County Project Steering Committee have worked together to develop the plan to expand public transportation.

After having approved the transit plan and business case in May 2018, the County received provincial funding through the Ministry of Transportation’s Community Transportation Grant Program. This money will go towards the expanded public transportation plan.

Over the next three years, the municipality will receive $466, 025 towards making this goal a reality.

As well, The Women’s Institute of Prince Edward County, being a long-time supporter of public transit in the county, will continue to support that endeavour. To that end, they have pledged $5,000 for specialized transit in 2020. Over the past 30 years, the women’s institute has donated a total of $120,000 to advance accessible transportation in Prince Edward County.

Municipal staff will contact current transit customers in the county to notify them of any service changes. For any questions or concerns, please contact Kyle Ackers of Quinte Access at 613-392-9640.

Bus and route information will be posted on the Quinte Access website, found here: https://quinteaccess.org/.

Additional information:

Fixed route transit service

Four fixed round trips between Picton and the Belleville Transit terminal Monday to Friday.

Schedules and stops will remain the same as the current schedule with some possible minor alterations.

Two additional fixed round trips between Picton and Belleville Transit terminal.

Schedules and stop locations will be determined through consultation with local employers in an effort to meet employee requirements.

Two daily round trips from Belleville Transit Terminal to Sandbanks Provincial Park on Saturdays and Sundays between June and September.

The runs will help facilitate seasonal employment opportunities and access for tourists.

Flex Route Service

Four integrated on-demand scheduled daily runs between Wellington and Picton that will use current Quinte Access vehicles and route schedules.

One integrated on-demand scheduled daily run providing access along Highway 33 from Trenton, Consecon, Hillier, Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton.

Additional runs will be accommodated between Rossmore, Rednersville, Carrying Place, Trenton, and Belleville when space is available on the specialized transit vehicles.