Kincardine council received an update on the implementation of enhanced service form Saugeen Mobility.
There is an agreement in place for Saugeen Mobility Accessible Regional Transit (SMART) that is set to begin in March.
The Manager for Saugeen Mobility, Stephan Labelle, shared that the transit provider is currently training the driver who will be taking on the expanded service times, and that the service itself is slated to start around March 15th.
Over the past year and a half, there have been discussions to create and offer transit services to residents of the municipality, who are unable to drive due to physical or cognitive disabilities.
Those who are qualified for the service will be provided with a telephone number to call in order to book transportation outside of regular business hours
“This number, when you dial it, will connect you with the SMART office during office hours,” said Labelle. “After the office hours, it will transfer to the driver directly.”
The enhanced service will use a 9-passenger vehicle, that will include a hydraulic lift for passengers who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
The enhanced service runs from Monday to Thursday from 6pm to midnight, as well as Sunday between 9am and 9pm.
The cost of the service starts at $2.50/km, with a minimum fee of $12 per one-way ride.
If the client needs an attended to travel with them, then the attendant travels for free.
“For a visitor to be transported, all they have to do is provide the name, address, and phone number of the person they’re visiting in Kincardine,” shared Labelle. “The invoice will be sent to the client, in order to be invoiced the following month.”
An agreement was signed between SMART and the Municipality of Kincardine to provide enhanced transit service until March 2027 as a pilot project.