Effective October 1, 2024, Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) will discontinue its 8 pm Route 4, Trip 3 evening bus run between Grand Bend, Parkhill, Ailsa Craig and Strathroy due to low ridership numbers.
Launched in November 2023 in response to resident requests for extended hours in Grand Bend and Strathroy, Trip 3 has seen limited use over the past 10 months. Route 4 initially provided two bus runs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 11:50 am and 3:59 pm. Combined with Trip 3, which left the Sobeys Plaza hub bus stop in Grand Bend at 8 pm and returned by 9:54 pm, passengers could enjoy up to eight hours in Strathroy and six hours in Grand Bend, providing lots of time for shopping, appointments and entertainment.
Despite initial interest, the ridership numbers of the evening bus run have remained low over the past 11 months. HSAT continued the evening bus run throughout the summer, contemplating residents travelling more during the best weather months of the year. By the end of August, ridership statistics indicated this was not the case.
“While we aim to provide public transit options that meet the needs of residents across our service area, Trip 3’s low ridership numbers mean resources could be better used elsewhere,” said Transit Coordinator Susan Mills. “Trip 3 was launched with the best intentions, but unfortunately, it has not attracted enough ridership numbers to justify its continuation. We sincerely appreciate the feedback from residents that led to its introduction, and we will investigate alternative service options.”
HSAT will continue to operate Route 4, Trips 1 and 2, according to its regular schedule.
