Transit riders will notice a slight change to routes in Midland starting Monday.
Beginning January 3, both Mid-Pen Transit’s north and south routes will see a trial change that may become permanent in the future.
A new stop has been placed on the west side of Midland Avenue just south of the intersection with Hugel Avenue, beside the Bell building. A shelter may be installed at this location in the near future.
This new stop also marks the Midland route changeover point. A single bus covers both Midland routes and the route changeover point is where one route is complete (either north or south) and the bus begins the other route. The change means riders will no longer have to switch buses.
But besides the route change, the transit authority is also offering free travel days as part of Midland’s Seniors on the Move pilot project.
Under the initiative, seniors (65 and over) who reside in Midland will again be able to enjoy free transit service from January through to March 31 when the pilot project comes to a close or should the $25,000 worth of free rides have been used up, whichever milestone is reached first.
This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Free rides are being offered through a range of options, including free smartcards (pre-loaded with 10 transit rides), which are available at the municipal office and the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre.
There are also free transit packages available that contain six transit passes. These are available at the municipal office and recreation centre as well as the Midland Public Library, Chigamik Community Health Centre and the North Simcoe Family Health Team.
Askennonia’s navigator, Mary Moreau, also has free passes for this program that are delivered to the home of an interested senior.
