When I say transit needs to accommodate growth, I mean something simple: our transit system should grow alongside our community, not wait until we are already behind.
Brantford is going to look very different over the next 10 to 15 years. New housing, employment areas, schools, healthcare and other major destinations are already taking shape. Transit needs to be part of that planning from day one, so that when families move into a new neighbourhood, a reliable bus route is already there to meet them.
Riders and transit operators know better than anyone where the system works and where it falls short. Their experience should shape every decision.
Ridership numbers and population-growth projections should tell us where service is needed today and where it will be needed tomorrow.
Where demand supports it, buses should come more often and arrive when they say they will.
New neighbourhoods, employment areas, schools and healthcare facilities should have transit service from the start, not years after people move in.
I won’t pretend that one person can redesign the transit system. What I can do is work with Council, Transit staff, operators and, most importantly, the community to push for a long-term transit plan that keeps pace with Brantford’s growth.
I want to hear them. Share your experience as a rider, an operator or a neighbour.