Pilot project aims to attract new ridership for cottage commuters

Metrolinx and Ontario Northland will be piloting a combined weekend service in August to give visitors to Muskoka and North Bay a convenient, comfortable way to take transit and avoid traffic delays.

Every Friday from Aug. 3 to Sept. 3, the 5:35 p.m. Barrie train out of Union Station will meet with an Ontario Northland bus at Allandale Waterfront GO Station, according to an ONTC news release. The bus will continue on to serve Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and North Bay. The return bus trip will operate at the end of the weekend, whether it’s the Sunday or holiday Monday, and connect with a Toronto-bound GO train at Aurora GO Station.

One ticket will provide transportation on both the GO train and the Ontario Northland bus. Tickets can be purchased at ontarionorthland.ca. Instead of tapping a PRESTO card on the GO train, customers will simply need to show their ticket when requested.

“This service is ideal for those commuting to cottage country,” said Corina Moore, president and CEO of Ontario Northland. “We are lining up our services in an effort to create a seamless, convenient connection for our passengers.”

“This partnership with Ontario Northland is an exciting opportunity for us to help our customers get to where they need to go,” Metrolinx CEO and president Phil Verster said. “Whether they’re vacationing or visiting family, we are giving the GTHA more options to travel better, faster and easier.”

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