Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) has teamed up with Lambton, Huron, North Middlesex and Kettle & Stony Point FN libraries to launch its Smart Card Library Pass that provides library cardholders unlimited free rides during a five-day loan period.
The new Smart Card Library program is designed to encourage residents who have not yet tried local public transit to experience convenient and affordable travel options and access various destinations and venues without worrying about transportation or parking costs. The program is planned to be in place for the full year and may be extended into 2025.
Regular HSAT rides cost $5 or $10, depending on a passenger’s starting location and destination. For example, from Grand Bend, Bayfield, or Exeter, the fare to London or Sarnia is just $10. The 2024 Canada Revenue Agency mileage (combined gas and maintenance value) allowance of $0.70 per kilometre means the average car owner’s 63-km jaunt to London or Sarnia costs $44 one-way!
Smart Card Library Passes can be borrowed from libraries in Arkona, Bayfield, Exeter, Forest, Goderich, Grand Bend, Hensall, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Port Franks, Sarnia, Thedford, and Zurich. The pass is non-renewable, enabling as many cardholders as possible to borrow the pass and try out local public transit.
“We are proud to partner with local libraries in offering Smart Card Library Passes,” said Susan Mills, Transit Coordinator from Huron Shores Area Transit. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible transportation solutions and enhance community connectivity. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on residents.”
HSAT’s affordable, inter-community public transit links Lambton Shores, South Huron, North Middlesex, Bluewater and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation with each other and Sarnia, London, Goderich and Strathroy. The fully accessible service provides an important transit service for seniors, students, workers and youth for employment, education, health and wellness, and leisure.
For more information about routes, schedules, fares and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca. To speak with a live operator about times and schedules, call 1-888-465-0783 between 9 am and 5 pm daily.
