Timmins Transit to Modernize with New Buses and Fare System in 2024

Timmins Transit will update its public transportation system in 2024 with four new conventional buses, a new fare box system, and a microtransit pilot project for Porcupine and South Porcupine. The city council approved the purchase of the buses, partially funded by the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program (ICIP). These buses will replace older ones under the Transit’s asset management plan.

The same funding will also cover the purchase of 25 new fare boxes. These fare boxes will improve data collection on routes and ridership and offer modern electronic payment methods, including debit, credit, smartphones, and reloadable bus passes. The city plans to use provincial gas tax funding to cover its share of the fare box replacement, ensuring no impact on residents’ property taxes.

Timmins Transit will also introduce a microtransit system, starting with a pilot project in February for the east end of the city. Microtransit will connect people in low-density areas to existing transit routes using smaller vehicles. The current para-transit system will be rebranded as Timmins On-Demand, allowing users to request rides through a new app without advanced booking. More information on the app and the pilot project will be available soon.