The development of a new public transit strategy across Chatham-Kent has started with the first meeting of the new CK Transit Task Force recently.
Established by Chatham-Kent council last December on a motion by Coun. Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, the eight-member committee met Feb. 8 and developed its mandate that includes:
• Review the results of the CK Transit Survey, which concluded Nov. 30.
• Review such other information as is already held by the municipality and other community partners.
• Provide feedback on a report to municipal council outlining a public transit strategy for all of Chatham-Kent including preliminary recommendations to address current shortcomings and deficiencies.
• Make recommendations to municipal council on the level and type of transit service for the annual budget review process in 2020.
• Make preliminary recommendations on options to be considered in preparation for a request for proposals for the existing transit contract that will expire in 2021.
The committee is comprised of two municipal councillors, five local citizens – three of whom are regular transit riders and one representative of the Age Friendly Committee.
The work of the Task Force has been divided into three distinct periods – short-term (end of April) mid-term (end of September) and longer term (end of January 2020).
Task Force members heard presentations from two municipal staff members. Ann-Marie Millson provided an overview of current transit services provided throughout Chatham-Kent by Intouch Connection (urban conventional service in Chatham), Citilinx Transportation (inter-urban service and area-rated service in Wallaceburg) and Voyager Transportation (accessible service in Chatham), while Joann Kjeldsen highlighted some of the research recently undertaken on innovative initiatives being introduced and/or piloted in other communities throughout Ontario.
The work of the Task Force – which will include input from the general public – will align closely with work to be undertaken by staff members employed in the municipality’s Engineering and Transportation Division.
Task Force members will ensure that the public transit strategy aligns with the Master Transportation Plan and incorporates any government grants and funding opportunities available.
The next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for March 8. The committee welcomes deputations and presentations by those wishing to share their thoughts. Those wishing to make a five-minute presentation are invited to e-mail Task Force Chair, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte at karen.kirkwood-whyte@chatham-kent.ca.
“As the work of the new Task Force moves forward, there is every possibility that the system we have currently may not look anything like the system we will have in the future,” Kirkwood-Whyte said in a media release. “We look forward to hearing from regular transit users as well as those who might wish to use public transit in the future to provide their input and advice about how best to meet the specific needs of our local residents as well as those whom we hope to attract to our community.” The chair will periodically provide progress on the group’s work.
