Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) had a busy and successful first quarter with early ridership results showing the agency is on pace to meet or exceed its goal of 16,000 trips in 2023 and the release of an updated brochure.
HSAT’s goal to double 2022’s ridership to 16,000 trips in 2023 is taking shape. Ridership in the first quarter of 2023 rose to 146% compared to the same period in 2022, with almost 1,000 more trips taken between January and April this year. Last year’s results showed a seasonality to the number and distribution of trips taken during the year, with 13.43% of the total trips taken by April’s end. If the pattern holds for 2023, HSAT will outstrip its ridership goal and reach 23,000 trips. Ridership is an important milestone, as HSAT consultants predict sustainability occurs at the 35,000 trips per year threshold.
In May, HSAT distributed approximately 9,000 updated brochures to every household in Lambton Shores, South Huron, Bluewater, North Middlesex and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation. The new promotional and informational piece included the addition of three new bus stops implemented in early January, updated route maps with bus stop numbers, updated fare pricing, and redesigned schedule charts with travel direction indicators, bus stop numbers, improved bus stop address information, and elapsed travel time. In the coming weeks, the brochures will be distributed to local municipalities, libraries and social agencies. If you would like a brochure(s), email your request to transit@lambtonshores.ca.
In June, HSAT Transit Coordinator Susan Mills will be attending two local events. “Discover North Middlesex” (northmiddlesex.on.ca/discover-north-middlesex) takes place Saturday, June 10, from 11 am to 3 pm, at North Middlesex Arena (256 McLeod St., Parkhill). Mills will be on hand to provide information about the bus system and answer questions from attendees. If that date doesn’t work for you, the “Aging Friendly Expo” (facebook.com/events/1426906714790444) takes place Wednesday, June 14, from 10 am to 6 pm, at Pat Stapleton Arena (134 Brock St S, Sarnia). Both events are free to attend.
